u/marymarilyn23

I am 21 years old, born and raised in Brazil. Since childhood, I have always felt like the "odd one out"—even within my own family. Born biologically male, I now identify as gender-fluid.

This year has been a pivotal moment in my life. After struggling for three long years in jobs that didn't fulfill me, I finally landed my dream job. I fought hard, and today, I feel truly liberated.

But you might wonder: what does Marilyn Monroe have to do with this? She has been my companion since I was a child. My room is filled with her images; as a kid, I watched her movies on TV and listened to her music online. Today, I have her books, a photo of her in my wallet, and she has always been my phone wallpaper.

Marilyn gave me the strength to keep going and never give up. When I was diagnosed with depression, I refused to take medication—I was terrified of ending up like her. Instead, I healed by finally accepting who I am. It was the only way. I embraced myself as a man who loves other men, possessing a gentle, feminine nature. I am calm, sensitive, and loving. For a long time, I struggled to look in the mirror because I believed no man could act or look the way I do.

Whenever I felt like I was going to fall, I would look at Marilyn’s image and promise to keep moving forward. I kept that promise. Today, I am alive and happy again. I don't care what anyone says about me, because what truly matters is what I think of myself.

I hope that one day I will find a man who loves me, and that we can build a family together. I want to adopt a child and give them a perfect life. I know that motherhood was something Marilyn always longed for, and I know I will be the best mother I can be.

(The drawing is my own work, done without AI.)