The One True Pen is different from mere pens. It is a Pen. It does not merely dispense ink, but Symbolic Identity.

My particular One True Pen (Version 3.0) is the Anello, which fits neatly in my pocket with little or no chance of having my gender unexpectedly modified, but is pleasant to hold and has a comfortable weight to it. I can carry it all the time. It’s handy for writing unexpected snippets of dialog, for taking notes, and for demonstrating obscure points on napkins in seedy bistros — I never get enough of seedy bistros. Better, though, is that each morning when I load The One True Pen into my pocket or whenever I feel it there as I seek keys or phone I have an instant tactile reminder of who I am and what I want.

Some people wear a crucifix….