I remember when wearing menās clothing felt daring and deviant - like something i had to apologize or ask permission for. I had to find excuses to chop my hair off or to wear a tie. I was worried what people would think whenever I left the house. I remember my mother begging me, only tree years ago, to change into something else, anything else, rather than wear a suit to a wedding (āIām not ready for people to know about you,ā she said, when I stared her down and adjusted my tie).
Now? Itās as normal as breathing.Ā
I used to walk into menās clothing departments holding my breath. Iād walk quickly, head low, heart racing while I mentally prepared excuses in case anyone asked. Iām shopping for my brother. My cousin. My friend. Iād try to look vacant and disinterested, lest they see me wanting and know what I was, as if it wasnāt obvious.Ā
Itās for a play, Iād lie to the barber. Iām playing a soldier.Ā
Now? Sure, men stammer and women avoid eye contact. The difference is that I donāt. If thereās anythingĀ āwrongā with me, itās not this. I am that I am that I am and I do not need a name for it.
Be proud of who you are. Wear the things you want, get that haircut youāve been too scared to get, and live life how you want to live it!Ā
Donāt be afraid to be you just because someone else is afraid of letting you.
NonbinaryWarrior They/them





















