Member-only story
My Gender-Fluid Panther Plush
The stuffed animal who ruled my toys was breaking societal norms before it was “cool”.
If you follow me, you’ve probably picked up some subtle hints that I am from Charleston, South Carolina. This has its joys and pains, advantages and disadvantages, pros and cons — just like any other city in the world you could live in. I don’t know which side you’d categorize football in, but it’s another thing we have. Our team is the Panthers, which is how I first learned of this animal’s existence. I was… three? Five? Something.
One of my aunts had just been to a home and had a great time. I have no idea who won, and my aunt might not remember, either. All that matters is that she brought back a souvenir for me, the princess.
Sir Purr is the official mascot of the Carolina Panthers. I’ve never been a football person, but those ice-blue eyes and generally doofy expression have captured my imagination for as far back as I can remember. This was the first stuffed toy who accompanied me places. If we’re going by Velveteen Rabbit logic, this panther is real.
