Unapologetically Me...Now

Happy Pride, Vocal readers! I love this time of year, because it's a reminder to conservatives and anyone who heavily dislike us that we aren't going back in the closet. At least, not in the foreseeable future. Our voices will grow even louder, and we refuse to shut up.

I've noticed in the last several years that men were sporting a specific accessory around their necks. From Harry Styles to MLB player Joc Pederson, this accessory soon became a trend. That accessory was the elegant pearl necklace. I understand that are many people aren't keen of seeing men wearing them and they only look great on women and young girls. However, yours truly made a bold move and ordered some recently. They might be fake pearls, but a necklace is a necklace. The reason for me making this decision was because I wanted to switch up my look and try something new. I have worn diamond-studded earrings since I was in my 20s. Is there a chance that I would wear pearl earrings? I'd be open to that. I never understood why jewelry in general has to be specifically made for a gender. If a man wants to sport one or two pearl earrings or a pearl necklace, let him. Besides, jewelry is jewelry. Certain piercings, such as nose rings or septum rings, aren't my cup of tea, but if they're your things and love wearing them, who am I to say no?

I'll apply the same logic with men wearing certain articles of clothing, such as skirts or dresses. Or even high heels. Also, wearing makeup. Again, do what makes you happy. I'm all for people feeling good about themselves. I'm the kind of person who's open-minded and willing to put myself in other people's shoes. If Harry Styles can wear a dress, so can any man who chooses to do so. Clothing, jewelry, makeup, and so on should be for any gender. Breaking gender norms is what we're doing. I don't care what others choose to wear. If they bought certain items for themselves, who am I to judge? They can do whatever they want and let them be.

For those who are heavily opposed to men wearing the aforementioned items, I have a genuine question for you. Would you be bold enough to wear them yourself if you wanted to? Like I said, I'm open to wearing jewelry and clothing that are specifically made for women. It's all in the name of self-expression. I low-key want to see what wearing a pair of heels would be like. Clothing and other items shouldn't have a gender.

Seen above is yours truly proudly wearing a pearl necklace. I found it on eBay for a reasonable price and sure they're fake, but I'm loving it. It goes well with what I'm wearing, and they'll go well with any outfit I have on. If people find me wearing a pearl necklace or any piece of jewelry made specifically for women unusual, then so be it. I wouldn't care one bit and that's their problem. It's not my responsibility to make to look and act a certain way just to appease you. I've been out of the closet for nearly 15 years and wearing a pearl necklace for the first time felt so empowering. I wanted to upgrade my look and give myself a confident boost. I plan on wearing this fabulous accessory for a long time.

Let me know what your favorite piece or pieces of jewelry is and why do like wearing them. Be sure to like this story if you enjoyed it. Follow me on social media, subscribe to my page, and please send me a one-off tip at the end of the story. No tip is ever too big or small. They support creators like me and encourage us to write and publish more stories.