Emily Locke's poem, “Ditch Your Gender,” made me think about the way I acted when I was younger. I was the little sister of two tough brothers. I rode my Barbie dolls on my skateboard and cut their hair. All my friends were bruised-up and bandaged boys. My E-Z Bake Oven cooked mud pies and worm mush. My brothers were the only ones I had to look up to. That's why I am the way I am.

As I grew, I met boys who were constantly being made fun of for “acting like a girl.” It was heartbreaking to know others could not express who they were. Emily, you are an inspiration to all the girly boys and tomboy girls who just want to be themselves. Hats off to you.