Scarleteen

I’m 17 year old trans guy and I am interested in being a residential electrician after highschool. My parents are fine with the idea (though they would prefer for me to go to college to be like a phlebotomist or something fancy like that), but my mom has been talking about me not fitting in with “the bro culture” or whatever. I know she means well and that parents love to worry about their kids but it makes me feel super dysphoric. I don’t think she means it this way but I makes me feel like she doesn’t see me as a “real boy” or something. I love working with my hands and fixing things, and I know being an electrician is well paying and is steady work. It would really be a dream job for me to work on a commercial boat doing electrical maintenance, but my mom gets scared when she thinks about me alone with guys.
Anyways…..wish me luck with my transition and my getting an apprenticeship

Hi B9Benny,

I'm sorry to hear your mom's comments have made you feel dysphoria. I can understand why they would, despite her meaning well, like you said. It sounds like she's trying to compliment your character, considering "bro culture" isn't really a good thing nowadays. However, it makes sense that would make you feel singled out. Have you mentioned this to her? If so, how did she react?

I think you should absolutely pursue whatever it is you're passionate about, and you're right that trades are steady and well paying careers. Another thing to note is that not everyone in these fields is a man and even within the men, they're not all the same type of man. While yes, these are traditionally male-dominated fields, and it's true that a lot of women, nonbinary, and trans folks who go into them might be met with more challenges or judgment, that doesn't mean there's still tons of them thriving in those fields. As long as you're aware of and prepared for the environment, you can find your place in the trades. Perhaps most of your immediate coworkers will be the typical "bros" your mom is thinking of, but the chances there isn't at least a couple other people (cis men included) that aren't that way is small. Not every cis guy thinks and acts the same, and you're also a guy after all. I hope you continue to pursue what you want regardless of what anyone says. <3