If I Were a Man

If I were a man, I’d start before I was ready.

I’d speak boldly, unburdened by the need to always know.

I’d demand my worth—not with apology, but with certainty.

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If I were a man, success would follow my confidence, not my credentials.

I’d stride into rooms and claim space with a voice that commands authority.

Perfection would not be my prison; good enough would be enough.

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If I were a man, my presence would preclude doubt.

Capable. The best. That’s what they’d call me, no questions asked.

My passion wouldn’t be dismissed as emotion—it would be praised as drive.

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If I were a man, I’d celebrate my triumphs without dimming their light.

I’d raise a family AND lead a corporation without whispers of compromise.

The boardroom wouldn’t feel like a lonely frontier.

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If I were a man, promotions wouldn’t pass me by.

My contributions would matter, my voice invited into every conversation.

No one would question the validity of my answers or the value of my ideas.

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If I were a man, my paycheck would reflect my worth, not my gender.

I wouldn’t be a mannequin judged by my attire or a puppet asked to smile.

My assertiveness would be a beacon of leadership, not a signal of aggression.

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If I were a man, I could err without scrutiny, falter without critique.

If I were a man, the world would look different.

And perhaps…

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So, would I.

By Jennifer Gebel