i want to lean in close to my little baby niece and tell her she can be anyone she wants to be. she doesn’t even have to be anybody, if she thinks that’s what’s best for her.

i want to tell her that she can wear anything she wants and say anything she wants and i’ll hold the boys at bay for her. i’ll teach the boys not to take what isn’t theirs. she doesn’t ever have to worry.

when she grows up, i’ll tell her not to be ashamed for kissing her best friend that one night as they both giggled under the covers, making stars with their hands against the darkness.

when she wears barely-there skirts and low-cut shirts i’ll tell her how good her brain looks from here. and i’ll encourage her to read more books. in public. in her short skirts and tight shirts. i’ll punch the boys who whistle at her, and kick the boys who holler at her. my niece can worry about something else.

when she shaves her head, i’ll cry with her until she’s tough again. when her girlfriend leaves her for a man, i’ll cry with her until she’s sure again. when her boyfriend leaves her for India, i’ll cry with her until she’s over it.

when she’s the smartest woman I’ve ever known and the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen, i’ll make sure she knows it. the men will come with a will to get it done, but she will give no fucks. and I’ll make sure the men do not take what isn’t theirs.

i will teach the sons not to touch, what the meaning of consent is. i will teach what she means when she says no. (she means no.) they will understand that my baby niece is not an object, here for their enjoyment. i will show the sons how to appreciate my niece, and respect her, and love her. i will show them exactly what will happen to wandering hands, and pushy tongues.

my little baby niece will never have to worry.