Ever since I first read this story, it deeply resonated with me. I relate hard to Gregor Samsa with all his people-pleasing tendencies. A few weeks ago, I thought of this story again and was randomly struck with a thought: What about imagining it as a trans allegory? Probably controversial and a take so hot it might be straight out of a forge, but bear with me.

Gregor's transformation into a bug would be his realisation that he is trans. He thinks it might be a phase, tries to continue with his life, but his attempts at keeping up the previous normalcy are futile. Eventually there is no more way of trying to hide it and he comes out to his family and his boss. We learn that he sacrificed a lot to be there for his family, yet they don't repay this. In fact, they didn't even need his sacrifice, as they had their own, secret savings. As Gregor becomes more comfortable in his identity, his family in turn becomes more uncomfortable. No matter how small he makes himself, it is never enough. They neglect him, they isolate him. When he inconveniences them and exposes his status to outsiders (their renters), complete rejection sets in and even his own sister turns against him. She denies him as a family member, denies him as a person. (Sound familiar?) They're all acting like he's dead even though he's right there. Completely dejected, Gregor gives up, and he dies. (Y'all, don't do this, I'm serious!) His family then moves on and focuses their energies on upholding cis- and heteronormativity (finding a husband for Gregor's sister).

To a trans reader, this story should serve as a cautionary tale! We learn: Don't sacrifice yourself on your unaccepting familiy's altar, they will not thank you for it. And don't put your life on hold waiting for acceptance that may never come. Go out and be the bug you were always meant to be, and don't let anyone hold you back. Happiness can be found in other places and you don't necessarily need your birth family in your life. If you don't trust me on this, trust Kafka!