Reading this made me smile. Did you end up letting her read the male part?
I feel like there's a difference in sexuality between my generation, and those we teach these days. Kids are trying to find their sexual place much earlier in life...and they are willing to fight gender stereotypes (even if that gets them in trouble or even more confused.)
Honestly, I really hope things *aren't* like that anymore.
In my Grad. level English class, we're first getting into feminism now. Maybe the one feminist author we were reading is right: boundaries have broken down between men and women and their respective abilities, and this is widely accepted by most cultures.
Still, I would never pay a woman to fix my car. Sorry, had to say it. 
Well, of course I let her read the part. She made me laugh so much I could deny her nothing.
Aaah, yes. A female Hamlet, a male Ophelia. I always thought that Sally Fields's Norma Rae would've been better with a man in the role.
Oy vay!
Actually, in the bard's time, they were all men--Hamlet, Ophelia, Juliet, and everyone.
True dat...the good old days. Wonder how the love scenes were?
ha! that is awesome and funny!
you know, i've actually had the same experience. i bring in a class set of scholastic magazines to coverage, and have the students read the play. the last two times i've done this, while assigning the last role, "uncle garrow", only girls have been waving their hands. not even embarrassed or anything. i just go with it. right on, ladies!
My best friend and I took much glee in middle school in making our male friends read the female parts; we thought the males had the better lines.
Good for her, and good for you letting her read the part anyway 
Right on! My middle schoolers don't pay attention to the gender of the parts, but my high schoolers always do. I'm always happy if someone is willing to read!
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