Where are the boys who can't attract girls?
I haven't the time to read every story that's posted on this site, so what follows is a personal view.
One thing that strikes me about much of the teen-based fiction I've seen here lately - most of it written to a very high standard - is how easily the male protagonists seem to find girls eager to help them come to terms with whatever issues they're struggling to understand.
Nothing wrong with that. But to my mind there are opportunities going begging.
Where are the geeks? Where are the scrawny, gangly kids who wouldn't rate a first, never mind a second glance from a member of the opposite sex? Where's the fat, ugly kid whose confidence has been shot to hell because the one and only time he summoned up the courage to ask a girl out she laughed in his face?
How difficult must it be to question your own gender identity when all you have to go on is a jaundiced view of the sex you secretly hope to join? How much self-loathing must these individuals have to overcome?
Before you answer 'well why don't you write something along these lines yourself?' I'll remind you that I gave it my best shot with Richard Brookbank, a solipsistic nerd who seriously thought that the female half of the species was involved in a worldwide conspiracy to deny him the satisfaction of boasting that he'd been on a date with one of them.
There are millions who feel the same way, believe me.
Comments
The Lost Boys
The Lost Boys....The geeks, nerds and other outcasts from high school society are in Bailey Summers story "Squires". Great story by a talented writer.
When life throws tomatoes at you, make spaghetti sauce.
Thanks
Thanks. I'll look it up.
The nerds
can be found in Bikini Beach where Anya and The Booss help them out in several stories. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Lost_Boys
May Your Light Forever Shine
I appreciate the pointer, but
I appreciate the pointer, but I was thinking of new stories rather than established universes. Thanks anyway.
Basically
Basically you're asking for stories where the Geeks or misfits don't make it to first or second base. Or if I truly understand, its where someone has to look past the superficial stigma that has been placed upon the individual by society. It doesn't necessarily mean that the girl is beautiful or artificial looks but average and can see the good or well meaning of the person.
x
fuck it, nevermind
Well shit, I guess it really CAN happen here..,
.
I'm not really sure what
I'm not really sure what you're asking exactly. You want male protagonists who are transgender and wish to become female but don't immediately fit the mould of gorgeous girl? Or you want an unattractive boy that finds a girl who will help him work his issues? Or you want trans girls who are stuck in less than satisfactory bodies hoping to come out and find a lesbian lover? Or do you want stories filled with strife where less attractive people ,who don't have any help, have to find the way on their own?
I've certainly seen quite a few stories about protagonists who don't fit the mould. Mostly though, you'll find that the fiction here is used as escapism. If it hits too close to home, people won't read it. There was a story I recall a long time ago about a trans girl (I think) whose body was the build of a football player. Might've been an Angela Rasche story. Sky, or something like that.
I'm not asking for anything,
I'm not asking for anything, just making suggestions.
And I was asking for
And I was asking for clarification.
Andrea Lena...
...has a ton of tales that fit your requirements. She tends to write what she knows. But be prepared for what is more emotional and psychological then for the specific physical details of transitioning.
May You Know Only Peace...
Kelly
Thought provoking
You ask an interesting question. When an author writes a story, particularly one which reflects an ambition that, perhaps, dare not speak it's name, they may be tempted to idealize. What's more, I can understand the tendency to transform a boy/man who has had success in their gender role. It adds tension and poignancy to the story.
Of course, there is also a tendency to idealize the result. How many stories are there of men who become...ordinary...women?
Have you read Red Elise on TGstorytime? I don't know if Red posts here. The two stories in the Delacroix series: "Adam's Song" (finished) and "Teenager Of The Year" (in progress) feature protagonists more or less as you describe. Red's an excellent writer who has crafted a fine narrative and who creates really excellently witty dialogue. I think you'd enjoy it.
Liz