Self Expression

How we choose to express who we are comes in many forms. Our clothes, hair, accessories, make-up, body language, voice, our name and pronouns. Gender expression is “all of the above”.

When one’s gender identity doesn’t align with their birth-assigned sex, how a person chooses to express who they are can be met with discrimination, harassment and even violence.

Our society is filled with the notion that we can retain our youth, diet and exercise our way into a better body, adorn ourselves with clothes, jewellery and outer attire so we can show the world who we are. Or at least who we want to be. Call it self-improvement, call it vanity. Whatever name one assigns to this, it is generally well accepted.

There are some who opt to decorate themselves with tattoos, wild and funky hair colors and cuts and have a wardrobe that speaks louder than others. These forms of self expression tend to grab our attention. There are some who voice their opinions about those who stand out from the crowd.

Yet when a transgender person simply dresses and portrays themselves in the manner in which expresses who they are, they can be made to feel anywhere from uncomfortable to unsafe. Perhaps the most common reaction is the “double take”.

I am guilty as charged on the double take reaction. My youngest was born and raised a male. I have become accustomed to this appearance. When my child revealed they were transgender and began portraying themselves as female within the safety of home, initially I was guilty of the "double take" reaction.

We are fortunate when we have the choice to convey ourselves in the manner we choose. Not all countries and religions allow such freedom of expression. In one manner or another, we all express our inner self in how we present ourselves to the world.

When you feel good about yourself, you stand taller, smile brighter and carry yourself with a confidence that makes others see your inner beauty.

My dream is to live in a world where everyone feels safe and confident to express their inner selves in a manner where all we see is the magnificence of who they are.