I’m Alright with Who I Am

Abstract

In this chapter, “Ida Mae” narrates her upbringing in Odenville, Alabama. She shares stories of experiencing childhood in a segregated town, being highly involved in the church, spending time at a local, Black, gay bar, and her family’s various reactions to her sexuality. In her narrative, she also stresses the importance of cross-dressing and experimenting with her gender presentation more often once she enrolled in college.