If I was born a boy

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Poem written on September 2019 reflecting on gender inequality and reflecting on the following statement:

​How would my life be different if I was born a boy?

Written by: Emma Velasquez Mariucci

I believe that society imposed impossible stereotypes as soon as my gender was revealed. I believe that life would be easier if I was born a boy. 

 If I were a boy, I wouldn't be seen as the weakest sex., I wouldn’t be asked how many kids I wanted to have when I was only in preschool, and I would definitely be able to sit however I wanted. 

If I were a boy, I wouldn’t have to spend boring hours at the salon, obliged by my mom, while two ladies curled my hair, painted my nails and applied makeup to my face. I would rather be playing outside or eating ice cream. 

Keratin is like throwing gasoline in my hair and my mom lighting the match. I wouldn’t have to cover my eyes while they tear up due to the chemicals.

If I were a boy, I wouldn’t have to book an appointment every month to scream and cry while hot wax is applied to my legs, just so I can fit into the social norm where women without leg hair are seen as beautiful and sexy.

If I were a boy, I could walk around the house or even the streets without a shirt on,
And I wouldn’t be nervous or agitated when a random guy approached me. I could live without constantly fearing rape. 

If I were a boy, I wouldn’t be scared to walk alone in the streets of my neighborhood, fearing any man that whistled at me or yelled vulgar words at me. I wouldn’t be told by complete strangers that I am too pretty to be frowning, or that my ass looked great in those shorts. 

If I were a boy, guy’s whistles wouldn’t pierce my ears like a bullet traveling through my head.
If I were a boy, I wouldn’t be told to wear longer shorts or cover up my bra straps because I am distracting the boys. 

They should be the problem, not me. And my clothes wouldn’t be more important than my education, so I wouldn’t be sent home for my outfit.

 I wouldn’t be judged because of my appearance, and I could dress the way I’ve always wanted.

If I were a boy, I wouldn’t be expected to cook and clean. I could just sit in the couch, spread my legs apart, open a bag of potato chips and watch T.V. 

And I wouldn’t be worried about “not acting like a lady.”

If I were a boy, I could play any sport I wanted. I wouldn’t be judged for “running like a girl,” and teachers would not associate weakness with “throwing like a girl.” I would be seen as the champion, not as the princess. 

If I were a boy, I wouldn’t have to worry about paying ridiculous taxes every month for something so necessary like a tampon! Instead, I would receive free condoms, while girls would pay for pads. 

I would not be judged for staining my pants. And I wouldn’t be asked not to talk about my horrible menstruation cramps in P.E. class, because it makes the teacher “uncomfortable.”

If I were a boy, I wouldn’t be asked what I was wearing nor would I be told that I provoked my rapist, just because I was wearing a dress or a pair of shorts. 

If I were a boy, I wouldn’t be paid 30 cents less than a woman.

If I were a boy, I wouldn’t be asked if I was P.M.Sing because I was just having a bad day, and it wouldn’t be assumed that I was on my period just because I was mad at you.

But I am a girl, a strong one, and I will break through this wall of stereotypes.
​And I will finally be free.