I was assigned male at birth and transitioned about 20 years ago. This didn't stop me from internalizing this message, too.

Being born only shortly after the women's lib movement of the 70's, I watched the women in my family suffer and swore that wouldn't be me.

When I started out, I vowed to become the woman I needed when I was growing up, that *they* needed when I was growing up: fierce, determined, and protective. A mama bear.

Now I seem to be collecting a following of other strong women and non-men on social media, and I'm so proud of that.

It's time for us all to reject our programming.