“We’re all taught from a young age that there are only two choices: pink or blue, Bratz or Power Rangers, cheerleading or football. We see gender in two dimensions because that’s what society has taught us from birth. But, are you ready for a shocking revelation?
SOCIETY NEEDS TO CHANGE.”
― Jeff Garvin, quote from Symptoms of Being Human
“The world isn't binary. Everything isn't black or white, yes or no. Sometimes it's not a switch, it's a dial. And it's not even a dial you can get your hands on; it turns without your permission or approval" -Riley”
― Jeff Garvin, quote from Symptoms of Being Human
“I can't blame you for trying to categorize me. It's a human instinct. It's why scientists are, to this day, completely flabbergasted by the duck-billed platypus: it's furry like a mammal, but lays eggs like a bird. It defies conventional classification.
I AM THE PLATYPUS (Coo coo ka-choo)”
― Jeff Garvin, quote from Symptoms of Being Human
“My mom says crying is just your body expelling all the bad stuff. Like a sneeze. Like your soul sneezing.”
― Jeff Garvin, quote from Symptoms of Being Human
“As for wondering if it's okay to be who you are--that's not a symptom of mental illness. That's a symptom of being a person.”
― Jeff Garvin, quote from Symptoms of Being Human
“People do judge books by their covers; it’s human nature. They react to the way you look before they hear a single word that comes out of your mouth.”
― Jeff Garvin, quote from Symptoms of Being Human
“But the truth is, feelings don't change anything. To change something, you have to say things out loud. Do things. Take chances. Take a stand" -Riley”
― Jeff Garvin, quote from Symptoms of Being Human
“That's my problem, actually. I don't talk to anybody about what's going on in my head, because I'm afraid they might not be able to take it.”
― Jeff Garvin, quote from Symptoms of Being Human
“At some point during my research, I came across the term "gender fluid." Reading those words was a revelation. It was like someone tore a layer of gauze off the mirror, and I could see myself clearly for the first time. There was a name for what I was. It was a thing. Gender fluid.
Sitting there in front of my computer--like I am right now--I knew I would never be the same. I could never go back to seeing it the old way; I could never go back to not knowing what I was.
But did that glorious moment of revelation really change anything? I don't know. Sometimes, I don't think so. I may have a name for what I am now--but I'm just as confused and out of place as I was before. And if today is any indication, I'm still playing out that scene in the toy store--trying to pick the thing that will cause the least amount of drama. And not having much success.”
― Jeff Garvin, quote from Symptoms of Being Human
“So, first, I want you to know that everybody experiences some level of anxiety. It's a normal human response to stress. It's like your body's smoke alarm. If there's a fire, you want to know so you can put it out or call 9-1-1, right?”
I shrug. “I guess. But it feels like my alarm is going off all the time.”
Doctor Ann nods. “Some people's systems are more sensitive than others'. For you, maybe all it takes is burning a piece of toast, and your alarm thinks the house is on fire.”
― Jeff Garvin, quote from Symptoms of Being Human
“I think you assume everyone is going to be your enemy. And by doing that, you sort of make it come true.”
― Jeff Garvin, quote from Symptoms of Being Human
“What, no Star Wars?"
Solo sighs. "I wanted to bring the original, unaltered Episode IV, in which my namesake shoots first, as our Lord and savior intended."
"Why didn't you?"
"I only have it on VHS, and my dad's old VHS player broke halfway through the summer.”
― Jeff Garvin, quote from Symptoms of Being Human
“You always say the best leaders figure out how to turn a bad situation to their advantage. When life gives you gators, make Gatorade”
― Jeff Garvin, quote from Symptoms of Being Human
“Remembering that moment stirs something inside -- anger, at first, and then a deep, hollow sadness that ripples through me in its own spiderweb pattern.”
― Jeff Garvin, quote from Symptoms of Being Human
“You think I didn't choose these clothes and this haircut specifically to avoid being stuffed into one pigeonhole or another? I'm gender fluid. Not stupid”
― Jeff Garvin, quote from Symptoms of Being Human
“That’s none of your business,” I say. “And, while I’m flattered by your interest, you’re really not my type.” The”
― Jeff Garvin, quote from Symptoms of Being Human
“I may not be "blending in"- but if I'm standing out, at least I feel like I've found a place to stand.”
― Jeff Garvin, quote from Symptoms of Being Human
“The first thing you're going to want to know about me is: Am I a boy, or am I a girl?”
― Jeff Garvin, quote from Symptoms of Being Human
“Things making you cry for no reason. There's nothing wrong with it. My mom says crying is just your body expelling all the bad stuff. Like a sneeze. Like your soul sneezing.”
― Jeff Garvin, quote from Symptoms of Being Human
“Look. I don't expect you to spill your guts to me. Your business is your business. Dress how you want to dress. Let people wonder. Fuck 'em."
I smile.
Solo raised a finger. "But you've got to stop looking for a fight every time someone makes a comment. High school sucks for everyone."
I feel my smile fade, and I sit back in the chair. "It kind of feels like you're defending those guys."
Solo shrugs. "There will always be guys like Jim Vickers. But I'm not going to let them stop me from doing what I want. And neither should you.”
― Jeff Garvin, quote from Symptoms of Being Human
Jeff Garvin
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“The hard truth is that success isn’t a series of actions. It is an attitude.”
― Dan Waldschmidt, quote from Edgy Conversations: How Ordinary People Can Achieve Outrageous Success
“of WHY? and HOW CAN THE WORLD LET THIS HAPPEN? I thought of our beloved Rabbi, who had been tortured and killed.”
― quote from Outcry - Holocaust memoirs
“They [the Hardscrabbles]never enjoyed it when adults playfully lied to them. The adults always think they're being amusing and imaginative, just like children. But kids never lie playfully. They lie as if their lives depended on it.”
― Ellen Potter, quote from The Kneebone Boy
“Have you ever believed in something so completely that you were willing to give up everything and everyone in your life to protect it?”
― Thomas Sweeney, quote from The Harem
“Mia’s eyes for too long would send me straight down the road Drew has already traveled. The reality of a stunningly beautiful and intelligent young woman explaining why it’s all right for you to make love to her is enough to make any male lose all capacity for rational thought. In my mind I hear Wade Anders telling me that the hardest thing he ever did was turn down the girls who’ve come on to him in his office. Those girls, I am certain, were not even in Mia’s league.”
― Greg Iles, quote from Turning Angel
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