Like a fair number of trans women I know, I have stuffed animals. I actually have a whole shelf full that I’ve accumulated over the years while telling myself that I’m not really into stuffed animals. I used to tell myself “oh, this one is just a souvenir from a trip” and “that one was bought on a lark because it’s funny” and “that was just a gift from someone”. I’ve even got one that I found at work abandoned my a co-worker after an office reshuffle, and which I put on my desk “just for fun” and then brought home with me when we went full time remote. But I totally wasn’t into stuffies, you see. That would have been too childish for me.

Recently I decided to just embrace the madness, despite being in my 50’s. Now I sleep with a Raggedy Ann doll and a Blåhaj, and I carry a small stuffed lamb in my purse when I go out sometimes.

They are actually quite fun and can be comforting. In fact, the one I carry with me I actually carry when I think I might find myself experiencing some sort of anxiety or emotional discomfort while I’m out, such as when I know I’m going to be in a loud place that will trigger my sound sensitivity or if I’m going to a therapy appointment where I know I’ll be talking about emotionally difficult issues. Yeah, I’m in my 50’s and use stuffies in exactly the same way a 5 year old, would. I’m not ashamed to do that or admit it, though 6 months ago I would have been.

Life is too short to get hung up on doing things the “right way” or making sure you always seem “grown up”. Do whatever makes you happy, and if that’s having stuffed animals around, then go for it!