Identity

The author has written Obie is Man Enough from Obie’s first person point of view in order to centralize his main character's journey towards self-discovery throughout the novel. Ever since Obie’s coach, Coach Bolton, told him that he was “never going to be a real man,” Obie has felt afraid of claiming his identity as his own (1). He told his parents he was transgender “at the end of fifth grade” (68). However, ever since coming out to his family and school, and starting to transition, Obie has faced a wealth of adversity, bullying, and discrimination. He has not only been kicked off of his swim team, but has lost his closest childhood friends Lucy and Clyde.

For these reasons, Obie finds himself questioning who he really is and how to claim his authentic self. Although his falling out with Clyde, Clyde’s aggression and bullying...