This is Episode 2, Season 4 of The TMI Project Story Hour: Pride Stories featuring Julie Novak and Blake Pfeil. This episode was written collaboratively by Eva Tenuto, Blake Pfeil, and Julie Novak, produced and edited by Eva Tenuto, mixed and mastered by Stevie Manns. It was co-produced by Radio Kingston and sponsored in part by MrJulieTees.com.
Since before she was even born, it seems like everyone in Julie’s life has had an opinion on her gender presentation. She is mocked for playing with race cars and toolboxes, and regularly “sir/ma’amed” by strangers. When she gets her first job, it comes with an unexpected perk: a McDonald’s uniform that provides a glimpse of gender euphoria.
As a kid, Blake feels at home in his Presbyterian Church. But as he becomes aware of his sexuality, he realizes not all parts of him are welcome there. He tries to keep his true desires a secret, but eventually his mom discovers what he’s been hiding, which begins a long road to mutual understanding.