C.J. (Age 11) – The most captivating child you will ever meet with an insane knack for art and color, interior design and gymnastics. His passions include Barbie, Monster High, LEGO Friends, American Girl dolls and women’s hair and shoes. When he grows up he wants to be a an artist or teacher. Former aspirations include hair stylist and mommy.

C.J.’s Mom (Lori, blogger, author) – A feisty, sassy girl-woman trying to have it all and usually feeling like she is failing miserably while all those around her are none-the-wiser. She works part-time as a business consultant, full-time as a mother and overtime as a walking panic attack.

C.J.’s Dad (Matt) – A police officer and recovering bully with his 18-year chip for bully sobriety. He’s an Irishman with a heart of gold hidden underneath his tough-guy façade and ever-present scowl.

C.J.’s Brother (Age 14) – 14 going on 40, he’s wise, kind and the best big brother a younger sibling could ask for. At first he was embarrassed of his little brother’s gender bending ways. Then, he adopted a “he’s gender nonconforming, so what, get over it” attitude. Now he’s in middle school and finding his way as an advocate and voice for those who fall outside of what society thinks “normal” is.

Uncle Michael – A creature from a sitcom who is bigger than life and loved by all. One of the most important people involved in the raising of C.J. because of his homosexuality. If it takes a village to raise a child, Uncle Michael is the court jester, mayor, therapist, stylist and official storyteller.

Nana Grab Bags – The maternal grandmother who was created by God to spoil grandchildren. She was allergic to harsh words and unhappiness and always carried an oversized Target purse filled with candy, toys, hugs and zany theories. We’ve been missing Nana since she passed on May 25, 2015.

Pa – The maternal grandfather who is a devout born-again Christian and macho Mexican-American. Enough said.

Grandma and Grandpa Colorado – The paternal grandparents who are thousands of miles away. A hunting, drinking, fishing, old-fashioned duo, they used to be waiting for the day when C.J. would outgrow his “girly phase,” now they embrace him so fully that I have a feeling they are becoming advocates for gender nonconforming children everywhere.