I have been holding back from saying these things for far too long. It’s been a lifetime of silence, of conforming to society’s expectations, and of suppressing my true self. But this new year, I’ve made a resolution, a declaration of independence, if you will. This new year, I’m going to say, “fuck the world.”
It’s been a rollercoaster ride of self-discovery, acceptance, and self-love. It’s taken years to muster the courage to fully embrace my identity, and now, I’m going all in. I am going to start demanding that people use She/Her pronouns with me from now on. There will be no exception. My name is Thomas, and I’ve lived as a girl literally my entire life, I even came out as a lesbian to my friends at age 16.
Why now, you might ask? It all started with a new pair of custom Converse shoes. Those shoes represent a part of who I am—strong, vibrant, proud, and shamelessly unapologetic. My new shoes are covered in rainbows, the Converse logo proudly displaying the lesbian pride colors, and the sides are embroidered with my pronouns; She/Her. These shoes are more than just a fashion statement; they are a symbol of my newfound strength, a statement of my authenticity.
For years, I’ve tiptoed around my true self, worried about what others might think or how they might react. But no more. It’s time to stand tall and say, “This is who I am, and I’m not going to hide it any longer.” It’s not about seeking approval or validation from the world; it’s about living my truth.
It’s like shedding a heavy coat that I’ve worn for far too long, a coat that never really fit me in the first place. I’ve learned that my happiness should never be compromised for the comfort of others. This journey has taught me that self-love and self-acceptance are paramount.
I know that this path won’t be without its challenges. There will be those who resist change, who refuse to acknowledge my true identity. But I’ve come to understand that their opinions don’t define me. I have resolved to no longer give any mind to what other people think. My identity, my worth, and my happiness are not up for debate.
So, this new year, as the clock strikes midnight and fireworks light up the sky, I’ll be celebrating more than just the passing of time. I’ll be celebrating my newfound freedom, my unapologetic authenticity, and my refusal to conform to society’s narrow expectations.
In a world that often tries to confine us within rigid boxes, I’m saying “fuck the world” and embracing my true self. And if there’s one thing I’ve learned on this journey, it’s that there is immense power in being unapologetically you.
December 21, 2023
Kudos to Converse for allowing such individual customization of their products. Still, we live in a society that talks up individuality, and yet it often comes off as a facade to act as a cover for corporate culture finding more ways to take advantage of consumers. On the other hand, taking advantage of these opportunities to own your individuality and express it shamelessly is very important. As I have come to say a lot recently, hate the game, not the players. It’s possible to play the game your own way. More people need to realize that.
You are, without a doubt, the most amazing person I have ever had the privilege of loving. From the moment we met, my life has been filled with joy, love, and endless happiness because of you. Thank you for being my everything, for being the most incredible partner, and for making me the happiest woman in the world. I love you more than words can express, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds for us. You are my forever and always, no matter what. ❤️❤️❤️❤️