Womanhood has always been primarily defined by Patriarchy. Well, within historical memory. But that's not who we women are or who we long to be.

It makes paper dolls of us all.

You know, a lot of what you write here is true for straight women who don't fit the gender blueprint naturally too. I like what you said about feeling like an offshoot and left amongst the weeds of femininity. That really resonated with me and I'm straight. How many times did I hear growing up from the feminine women in my life growing up, "you could be so pretty, if you'd only try. It's such a waste. You're wasting your potential and your chances (be be validated by men for beauty)."