Hold on to your asterisk

Written By Brad Preslar

An important asterisk on gender and sexual orientation

I’m a straight cisgendered man. And my life experiences are those of a straight, cis man. Statistically speaking, you will probably be a straight, cis man. But, if you’re not, please don’t throw my advice out with the bathwater. (As an aside, your mother decided it was time to start potty training when you stood up and pissed in your own bathwater while laughing like a maniac.)

I might use the wrong gender or pronouns or talk about you loving people of the wrong sex. I’m trying to use gender-neutral pronouns to make this advice relevant no matter how you mature, but I’ll miss some, I promise.

Know this: I don’t care how you identify or who you love, I’ll always love you. Right now you’re two, so we have no idea how those things will shake out. Just please remember that any mistakes are innocent and not intended to injure.

I love you,

Dad


Brad Preslar

Brad Preslar writes from Asheville, NC, where he lives with his wife Ellie, their son Sam, and their dog Stella. Stella was named for Ellie’s favorite cider with a nod to Mr. Williams. Sam was named after his grandfathers, (not booze.)

Brad’s fiction has appeared in Analog, On Spec, The Arcanist, and Amazing Stories, and Cast of Wonders. Find him on Instagram @bradpreslar.

http://bradpreslar.com
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