I grew up a "tomboy" with mostly male friends, playing soccer and reading sci fi, fishing and camping, fascinating by engineering and computers, hating anything stereotypically feminine- no dresses, nothing pink, no babydolls, no makeup.

In retrospect I'm so grateful to have been raised without strict gender norms, free to pursue my interests... But also that I grew into myself without being told I had gender dysphoria or that maybe I should transition to present as male.

Because as an adult I'm happy to have a female body- like, sure there are downsides, but on the whole who wouldn't take multiple orgasms, longevity, ability to bear my own children, soft hairless skin, nimble fingers, long legs, plump curves...

And as I've aged I've embraced more of the stereotypically female traits- I cry easily at sentimental stories and over animal welfare, wear makeup and heels, sew and knit and garden and practice yoga, am naturally submissive and enjoy following a male partner's lead.

But I feel that if I was growing up these days I'd struggle with gender identity and go down the path of presenting as non-binary or male, try hormones, go to therapy, etc- and that my life would've been worse for the struggle.

To be clear, I have several younger trans cousins and I'd never want to put limits on their lives or dictate how they should look or act according to their gender. But I'd prefer we focus on shared humanity and individual difference, rather than identity group traits and norms.