Not quite a mare, but unhappy being a colt. It's a hard position for a young pony to be in. Would be easier if judgement weren't in every look, hate in every scowl. For Glitter Shell, even her friends and family aren't giving her the support she needs. So, she goes to find some in her personal hero.
Based on the blog Ask Glitter Shell. Give it a chance; I doubt you'll regret it.
Featured on Equestria Daily on August 12th, 2013; thank all of you for the support! Though please remember to support trans people in real life. This story is a very tame snapshot of what they have to go through for most of their lives.
Chapters (1)
Pre-emptive first!
Let me just say I love it. I really appreciate the fact you did the fic in the first place, and danget if it isn't an amazing one! I love the implications you used with Smokestack, it gave the perfect feel and foreboding while keeping tasteful and vague. My only criticizm is in the beginning paragraph you used the words 'her' and 'she' more than I thought was really necessary, but other than that it's 'Golden'
I see you already sent Rayodragon an inquiry about using his art for the cover. So if he's already given his blessings, you've got my 'content appropriate for blog' stamp of approval!
2334579
And it's finally up! Dear lord, this took forever for moderation to pass.
Go ahead and post a link on the Glitter blog! Would love for your other fans to see it.
I have to say, this is the first fic where I read this kind of thing and found it adorable in a weird way. I have to give some thumbs up on that, making a guy seem completely different and making it not over the top at all. You, dear Socrates, are a good fic writer.
My good man, i had to read this twice (not because it was a bad read, heavens no, its because i read to fast! i completely missed the part where she was a he! it comepletely threw me of i had absolutely no idea what was going on!) But its was still a good read, i may not be one of you, but god dammit if thats who you are then i comepletely support you.
I really enjoyed it, just wish it was longer.
....sequel/continuation plx?
Should be noted that I was quite extatic when I saw this fic as I really enjoy the blog its based on.
I had such an aww moment at the end. I love Trixie. A very lovely story the deserves more to it. I want to know what happens to Glitter!
2346415
Glad you enjoyed, and glad you got a good first impression on this concept. 
Thank you!
2346669
Though I'm only somewhat gender fluid myself, I do understand those who are more so. I tried to put myself in their shoes as much as I could.
The devil's in the details.
2346898
Besides, other projects soon. Planning another fan story based on the Luna/Rarity tumblog.
Don't know how I could continue it, honestly.
2347924
Glad you liked, though! And yes, Trixie is awesome. 
As I said above, don't know how I'd continue.
I really liked this story. Glitter Shell has always meant something to me and this story does her justice. I am definitely adding this to my compilation of transpony stories that I have on my userpage (I try to collect all of the ones in existence that aren't horribly problematic).
2346898
Same feelings.
Poor Glitter. I can definitely relate in so many ways, especially at my stage in life.
Uhf, I'm of two minds on this. On one hand, it's based off a blog I adore and it's characterization it's spot on. On the other, it was submitted for approval for the LGBT group and it fails, unless of course, there is more.
Personally, I liked it, even though it didn't really go anywhere
2348039
Glad this story meant something personal to you; best feedback I can get, I think.
2348327
LGBT group...? Is there some sort of shadow council for gays? I came out of the closet a while ago, and I didn't get the memo.
2348440
http://www.fimfiction.net/group/1067/lgbt
2348327
I submitted it. Is it a bit short or something? (you don't need to answer)
Part of me had this idea for a fanfic involving Trixie giving a lecture about Cutie Marks, specifically about ponies who practice outside their talent, with obvious LGBT subtext. This story makes me think about that.
I might not get the exact storyline since I haven't seen the original but color me intrigued. I liked the story you presented.
Hi, I really enjoyed your story, and I feel like you expanded it beyond the blog which actually made me enjoy it even more, which prompts me to ask if you had any plans to continue. I know it's been marked as 'complete' but personally I'd like to see where you would take the character of Glitter Shell.
VERY good story. A sequel would be welcome.
This came out very well! I love the Ask Glitter Shell tumblr and I'm glad someone wrote a fanfic on it - I'm more glad that this fanfic turned out so well. It's got smooth pacing and the character of Glitter came out very well and thoughtful. I would have liked a little more description though on Glitter herself, like what she was wearing, clothing and make up wise. Since she gets all these nasty looks, it would have been nice to see what Glitter was self conscious about, like the color of her eye liner or something to paint a clearer mental picture of the character.
The ending was a little predictable too. It was appropriate, given Trixie's past and how treated Snails... I don't know, it feels like it missing something to explain Trixie's reaction. But then I guess I'm over thinking that. I feel the point of the story was just one of those feel-good tales that don't need a lot of work or deep meaning. I hope you'll write more stories with Glitter because you really did a great job on this one.
2348440
Yes, and I am it's emperor-chancellor.
2348455
Well, as I said, it's just a trans character and the story doesn't do much in the way of anything really. Glitter finds Trixie, tells her she's trans for no apparent reason, is accepted, end if story. Well a decent read, I don't feel it fits the MO for the group.
2350643
Your logic makes sense.
2348466
Hm... if one takes cutie marks as a mark of maturity, sexual or otherwise, that could certainly work, yes.
2349111
Thank you! I suggest you give the original a chance; it's very good, I think.
2349266
No plans to continue it as of yet; maybe in the future, though.
2349621
Again, no real plans to continue, but I might someday.
2350043
Hm... yes, I see what you mean as far as description of Glitter herself. Though an explanation for Trixie's actions was there; I just made it subtle. I don't want to hit my readers over the head with a clue-by-four; I trust them to be more perceptive than that.
2350643
Okay... I must ask: did you read it all that closely, or did you skim? Because the story outright says why Glitter was looking for Trixie; it's not "no apparent reason." I would understand if this was a point I was trying to be subtle about and you just missed it, but it explicitly and implicitly says that Glitter is getting no support or acceptance from her friends and family, so she's looking for acceptance from the very last pony she can turn to: her hero, Trixie. I created a story with an atmosphere of anxiety and dread, including the very real threat of violence against Glitter (why do you think Smoke Stack was there?), and even labeled it as a Slice of Life to get across that that's what trans folk have to deal with on a regular basis... and it doesn't fit the MO of a group that supposedly is for the LGBT community?
2350813
Another awesome fic, amigo! Nicely done, awesome pacing, and a story that wrapped itself up nicely. Really got me thinking about other people's troubles I never thought about before. So thanks for that.
2350813
I just didn't expected her to not be so ready to be accepting, like it was too sudden. Oh well, still an awesome story.
Trixie's reasoning might have been too subtle, least for me. I might have missed something most likely
Please write more Glitter?
This was rather well done, and I'm pretty pleased with how you dealt with the issue of transgender in Equestria. Personally I've always viewed Equestria as a much more open, accepting society, with things like homophobia being in the vast minority.
Was on the edge of my seat for awhile when Smoke Stack pulled Glitter down that alleyway. Thought at first she was going to get raped, then I thought she was going to get beaten up. Glad to see that neither of those things happened without taking the drama out of the moment.
I absolutely love this! Speaking from experience I can definitely say that Glitter's reactions and implied emotions are definitely spot on. I was on the edge of my seat the entire time, dearly hoping that Glitter would turn out ok!
This is a very inspiring story and I sincerely hope you add more to it!
Oh good! I was worried something horrible was going to happen to her. (I must read too many clopfics). I'm so happy GS got not only a fanfic, but one that was handled so well. Kudos to you :)
I love this.
I love your writing, your portrayal of glitter, the set up, the askblog this is based on, the accurate representation of trans fears and thoughts...
This may be the best thing ever. Please update consistently? I want to read more.
2350820
I feel context would only ruin my confusion.
2351098
Not even sure how I'd continue this as a story.
Maybe? I planned for this to be a one-off thing.
2351385
And thank you! Sort of had to restrain myself on that front. My stories usually crush souls with a sledgehammer, not put pins and needles into it and wait for cracks to form. 
Canonically, it probably would be, if there was any canon gayness. Hasbro will never let them directly talk about homosexuality, let alone transsexuality, though.
2352574
Glad I could get the feelings of the experience across properly. And as I've been saying, not sure how I even would continue this.
Glad you liked!
2352974
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Thank you, thank you. And yes, that is what I tried to get across. When traveling, never, ever tell anybody that no one knows where you are and imply they wouldn't care enough to look for you.
2353012
This is intended to be a one-shot, though. My current main project is Dear Spike, though I really should get back to My Little Insano... 
Best thing ever? Um... wow, flattered, but methinks you may be exaggerating.
Fantastic story. I want to say bittersweet, but bittersweet feels like sweetness weighed down by horrible bitterness. This is more like expecting something bitter and tasting something wonderful.
2353137
WHAT! A one-shot?! But but but! You have such a good set up, the next chapter she would tell trixie about what happened with her parents, and the story would be glitter going through the process of adjusting to being herself full time while trixie's story would be about learning to care for a filly as a friend, then as a mother and having to deal with the issues of being a parent for a transpony. That's not to mention having snips, rumble, glitter's parents, and ponyville itself as pieces to enhance the story as it progresses.
I don't want to tell you what to do, but this has too much potential for a one-shot. I was honest that this could be the best thing ever, but only if there's more. Please don't make me beg, cause I will but it'll be embarrassing for all involved.
The world needs this story.
P.S. sorry, I tend to get dramatic but I meant what I said. You have a good solid concept and I think you have the ability to pull it off.
To the knackery with Smoke Stack.
The Sublime and Beneficent Trixie is certainly the most accepting of unicorns.
This needs a sequel with Twixilight shipping, and eventually Twilight or someone else doing a magical sex change for the happy ending
The entire homosexuality thing could definitely explain Trixie's odd attitude.
I love this story, just as I love the Tumblr. All I have to say is MOAR
I love it! We could always use more trans pony stories.
More please.
I think the reason there's so much confusion is that Glitter has a big obvious reason for going to see a powerful unicorn magician, and it's not at all obvious that it's not the reason she's going to see Trixie. She says so outright to Smoke Stack, but it's easy to assume she's still not telling the whole truth, and the part about how she "hadn't been changed yet" seems like more evidence that that's why she's seeking Trixie out.
So when she gets to Trixie's and doesn't ask for any magic, and the actual important interaction requires significant reading between the lines, people can get confused.
Well, I'm not sure if you've had an actual transgender person review this story, but if not, I'm happy to be the first.
First, I just want to say that when Glitter thought, “He…he called me ma’am", I literally cried for a good minute, just out of understanding for her jubilation.
With that out of the way, I'd like to take a moment to commend you on her convincing nature. Her life at Ponyville, more specifically, her uncaring parents and generally one-sided friendship with Snips, are very similar to my own experiences with family. The air of transphobia that Smoke Stack exhibited was fairly convincing as well, closely reminding me of some people that I've met.
Myself out of the way, the overall story was amazing. I loved that you allowed Trixie to switch to the first person and actually become a noticeable protagonist. I also thoroughly enjoyed the sizable amount of world-building you put into this small space. Glitter's brontophobia was a very nice touch, it reminded me that she's more delicate than the actual character we know.
Short review, I know, but it's the first I've ever done, for the first FiMFiction story I've ever read. I saw this story on the front page, and I just knew I'd like it. You've got yourself a fan.
2355157 I don't think it's entirely fair to call what Smoke Stack is exhibiting transphobia. You have to look at it from his side; he is a heterosexual colt who met a pretty mare that he liked, who seemed to like him back, and then he suddenly realizes that she has a penis. I think what he showed was more disappointment and frustration. He probably feels foolish for not having noticed before as well. To his credit, he wasn't violent, he didn't start insulting glitter, and he took her where she needed to go. He was a bit cold and a bit short, but I think he was probably hurt by the experience, do I feel we can excuse. Who knows, maybe he'll make up for it in the sequel *wink wink*
2356073 You do raise valid points. I guess I was simply taken aback by his sudden change in attitude.
2348327
Likewise, Catch 22 is not a real story because it's just some guy dicking around on an airbase until all his friends are dead. And Uylesses isn't a real story because it's just some dude walking around thinking that his wife is cheating on him. And Dazed and Confused isn't a real movie because it's just a day where teenagers do stuff.
2356073
I see him as worse than that. He was leading Glitter away from Trixie, into a secluded alleyway, and only stopped when he found out that her sex and gender didn't match up. I'd say that's the entire reason that this story has the dark tag...
2353187
Seriously wish I could fave comments. That just really encapsulates the experience of this story.
2353306
And yeah, I'm aware, though I think in Equestria it would be significantly easier since apparently mares and stallions have a completely different skull structure, judging by the shapes of their heads.
Aw, you flatter me.
2353309
Okay, I'll strongly consider continuing this story someday. Hell, some of your postulations gave me a few of my own ideas. Still, got two big projects going on and I'm not sure I can take on a third right now. 
Um... wow.
2353478
But there may be more in the future, yes. 
Well, maybe not a magical sex change. It's been established that that's either impossible or few ponies can do it.
2353655
And there may be more in the future; we'll see.
That we could.
2354228
Certainly an interesting way of looking at it...
2355157
Short? Heh, much longer than my normal feedback. 
And first fic, you say? Well, welcome to Fimfiction; hope you enjoy your stay. We're a mostly good bunch... the frightening amount of rape clop aside. 
And you actually cried? I was trying to write some powerful stuff, but... damn. 
I'm really glad you enjoyed it, though, and I hope you like my other work, should you give them a chance sometime! 
And once again wish I could favorite comments.
...wait, front page? I posted this days ago. Did this get in the feature box and I never knew?
2356473
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I plead the fifth on that one.
2356473
I never said it wasn't a story, just that as a story it didn't meet the requirements to be added to the LGBT group. Mayhaps you should thoroughly read what you are replying to.
2350813
I thoroughly read your story and enjoyed it. However, if you were to look at the group, you would see that it simply different allow any story, regardless of LGBT characters and their roles. It must be LGBT themed as well. And well that too was there, I felt it was not enough to be added. I'm not trying to be mean, and if you want an example of approved trans fics, there are many available on the groups story lost. I personally Suggest Dysphoria.
2356669
Normally I wait to respond in bulk to comments, but I'm making a special exception here. Not LGBT themed enough? Are you serious? On second thought, I don't care if you're serious. There are actual trans folk who read this story and are touched by it, identify with it. That means a hell of a lot more to me than some fool who supposes that he can decide what is LGBT themed or not, and what is significant to all the LGBT bronies on this site. In short: piss off.
2356669
"Well, as I said, it's just a trans character and the story doesn't do much in the way of anything really."
Well, those are the reasons you stated and those reasons are freaking silly. I've seen the stories in the LGBT group. Ditching this one is like going out looking for iron pyrite, finding gold and then throwing it away because 'it's not what we're looking for'.
2356705
I'm trans and I agree with krass, it's a good story and I can identify with it but its just a beginning. If it were a full on story then I'd be on your side but there's very little in the way of exposition and depth. It's the same about a same sex relationship fic, you can have one that touches on themes but isn't about them.
You don't have to care or even want to be on the lgbt page and the fic will have the same impact as it already has, but I agree that while the fic has a trans character done well, it's not a fic about trans issues, yet at least.
Just my two cents
2356705
" It must be LGBT themed as well. And well that too was there, I felt it was not enough to be added."
Please read posts thoroughly before replying.
2356767
Can't even take your own advice. Ugh, you really are a fool.
I reiterate: piss off. You're clearly wielding more authority than you deserve or know what to do with, so I really don't give a damn what you think. 
Pathetic.
Hm, and suddenly all your comments have an upvote while all that dissent have a downvote. I wonder who could have done that since they weren't there when darkprep commented and nobody else is speaking in your defence?
2356759
People who think 'subtext' is what rubber gloves are made from (eg you, krass) are the reason we can't have nice things. Did they even teach lit at the school you went to?
2356778
2356755
Well, let's clearly define exactly why this was rejected and what it was lacking. There were no more than three instances where something LGBT, or more specifically, trans related happened. When glitter got ma'am'd, when she told the stallion in the alley she wasn't accepted and still was biologically male and when she told Trixie she was trans. The first one is maybe fifty words of the story and the least one two hundred. The alley part of that I'm guessing is between seven and eleven hundred words which makes at most just under a thousand and a half words of Material I'd consider for posting. However, this its an almost five thousand word story. It's good, for a start. You did have to setup the story and all. But your longest piece feels flat and overall mediocre to me. Still, if this had a second part or so, itd be a shoe in. Writing isn't a huge part of it, but it won't usually make or break a fix.
Tl; dr It just sort of touched on a variety of trans issues, instead of actually addressing them. Good start, bad submission.
2356759
Spot on mate.
2356872
I'm an English teacher with a focus on British lit and adolescent lit, so I'd say there were a few classes on the subject at the college I attended.
Please don't be condescending, I am not denying the subtext is good (you can find my praise for the story in the comments below), I'm just saying that subtext does not equal focus and that a trans character does not equal a trans story, regardless of how complete the characterization.
The story is set up for it, but it needs to develop it.
2356920
But sure, I'll play ball. What do you count as "addressing" those issues?
I've said before in the comments that I refuse to hit my readers over the head with a clue by four. I trust them to be more perceptive than that. Obviously my trust is misplaced.
2356962
I'm just going to say that anybody can claim to have credentials on the internet and leave it at that.
2356920
You made my point for me. You missed so much it's tragic.
2356962
"I'm just saying that subtext does not equal focus"
Interesting. To extend that argument, Catch 22 did not focus on the American Military-Industrial Complex. After all, there was no focus on General Electric, the Colt Manufacturing Company or Dow Chemical, and no mentions of senators or lobbyists. And Thud! didn't focus on xenophobia, ethnic tensions, the interplay between British muslims, the police and the greater communities, assimilation vs identity and such because it's about a policeman running around looking for a stolen tapestry. And In Bruges wasn't about mercy and the futility of vengeance, because it's just a bunch of thugs sightseeing and then shooting each other.
...I don't like that argument any more.
Why must we argue? Can't we just go back to enjoying a whimsical tale of a boy on a journey of self discovery and gender identity?