Coming out can be a nerve-wracking experience for members of the LGBTQ+ community, which is why people can sometimes opt for a creative approach when embracing their true selves.
Now, writer Amanda Mancino-Williams has gone viral on Twitter after sharing a handmade booklet that her 13-year-old son created to tell her that he is transgender.
Mancino-Williams tweeted: "Got a note from my 13 yo tonight, under the door, like they always did when there was something important to say."
The 13-year-old began the booklet: "Dear Mom, I have created an extremely cringe little book to tell you something."
This was followed by a drawing of a girl painting a picture and using the pointillism technique - where a series of dots are used to create an image.
He wrote of the girl: "This is a daughter (dot-er)."
Then, underneath, included a drawing of a boy with rays of light radiating from his face: "This is a son (sun)."
The 13-year-old continued on the next page: "I was originally expected to be an artist who specialized in pointillism, but I have discovered that being a ball of gas suits me better."
The teenager then explained the differences between him and the sun by juxtaposing pictures of them both on the next page.
As well as writing that he is composed of "99% oxygen, carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, calcium, and phosphorous"; and is "0.85% potassium, sulfur, sodium, chlorine, and magnesium," he said he "is a boy, does have a gender."
He then contrasted himself to the sun, writing that it is "not a boy, the sun doesn't have a gender."
He added: "Things the sun and I have in common: Carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and being your son (sun).
"Conclusion: one - I am a trans boy. Two - I am very cringey."
Mancino-William's son subsequently gave her permission to share pictures of the booklet on social media, where people were quick to praise the pair's relationship.
One Twitter user wrote: "I'm 23. I came out to my parents in July 2020. Today they told me it's just a phase and I'm confused. I've known for a very long time and I'm comfortable and happy with who I am. They made me feel so invalid and unloved. This thread made my day and Christmas."
A second added: "I volunteer for a charity as a life skills mentor/support for vulnerable, often trans youth, and if more people were like you, I'd need to do that less. Made me cry in the best of ways."
Alongside a sparkly heart emoji, a third wrote: "This is the cutest coming out I've ever seen! Sending so much love to this boy and his family."
Hopefully, this boy's coming out will help others to embrace their true selves.
