u/WhimsyFae

In the spirit of pride month, I wanna share a lil bit about my personal experience on what it means for me to be genderfae. I would love to hear others' experiences and I'm curious if anyone's experience is similar! :)

Both "cis woman" and "genderfae" feel right for me, and my pronouns are she/they/it/fae. I'm AFAB, but I have always experienced gender fluidity between feminine-aligned and non-masculine genders (woman, demigirl, agender) throughout my life. I'm cis because I feel comfortable with my assigned gender at birth, but I have a history of fluctuating between only feminine and genderless identities, often simultaneously. I like to say I'm a woman in the same way the moon, the ocean, or "Mother Nature" is personified. My gender feels very much connected to the divine feminine aspects of nature and the universe; motherhood, cycles, nurturing, growth, rebirth. I'm a woman, but also an entity of nature not bound by human constructs of gender. I'm a woman in a "fae" way. 💚💛🤍🩷💜

Soon-to-be first time Sphynx mom here!! This is Sushi. I've known her for 3 years, since she was just a little sushi roll. My mom got her as a kitten when I still lived with her, and we bonded VERY closely since the beginning. I feel chosen by her. She was always the most attached to me out of everyone else in the house; always wanting to be near me, snuggling me, suckling my arm, following me from room to room. I was in the worst mental state I had ever been in during that time and in a toxic environment, but she made those couple of hellish years so much more bearable with her sweet little wrinkly face and smiling eyes. She always eagerly greeted me after work and would beg for snuggles and "arm nursing" time. She is the most loving cat I have ever met in my life and she's one of the only things I've missed about living there.

Since moving out with my wife, we've had "sleepovers" with Sushi staying over at our apartment, and my wife also ADORES her. Sushi also just LOVES being with us.

My mom sadly hasn't been taking the best care of her, and has offered her to us. Of course we said yes. In just a few days, Sushi will be rehomed to us. She will be our first pet we've owned together. We've been doing TONS of research on Sphynxes for the past while in preparation and we are so thrilled to spoil her like the princess she is and give her the loving home she deserves!!!

However, I'm heavily debating on changing her name once she arrives. I was never a huge fan of the name "Sushi," even when my mom and sister first agreed on that name. I'm not a big fan of food names in general, and she has just never quite struck me as "Sushi." While I appreciate the charm of being able to call her a sushi roll, or call her wrinkles her "sushi rolls," I feel like she could have a more suitable name. While I want to respect her history and the name originally given to her, I also feel like it would be special if I named my first pet, especially since I have always been her chosen person.

While trying to think of names that have a similar ring to it, the name "Mishi" popped into my head and it immediately called out to me. I looked up various meanings of the name and saw words like "beautiful," "wise," "sugar," and "sweet." Which I feel would perfectly encapsulate her sweet, snuggly, comforting and affectionately playful personality. I also just personally think she looks more like a Mishi and it sounds more pleasing to me.

But, I want to hear outside opinions! Which name do you like better? Do you think she looks more like a Sushi or a Mishi? Will she be confused at being called a different name, even if it sounds similar? I'm still used to the name Sushi myself, as I've been calling her that for 3 years, but could it be worth switching to a name that I think suits her more and sounds better overall?

This is what a REAL gamer looks like

I adore Sushi's smile 🥹

I can't get over the way Sushi sleeps 🥺

Sushi has arrived at her forever home 💖

My genderfae experience

Come play in the woods with mwee! 🦌

Should I change Sushi's name to Mishi?