The BETTERMedia Illustrations Project highlights important issues facing LGBT youth worldwide.
My jaw dropped the first time I saw the illustration my friends at the It Gets Better Project asked me to write about for their blog. The image titled “Dress As You Feel: Be Yourself” features the profile of a young man who looks exactly like my son Harry. It’s uncanny really, because I know that Venezuelan artist Daniel Arzola, who collaborated with It Gets Better on the BetterMedia Illustrations Project, has never met Harry.
My remarkable son Harry, who just happens to identify as genderqueer, always dresses as he feels.
Writing my article for the Illustrations Project triggered a lot of memories for me. From Harry’s dress-up box in kindergarten to his costumes in high school as a local cast member of The Rocky Horror Picture Show to his current wardrobe that just might someday rival Cher’s, I know my son dresses to express his individuality, his love of fashion, and the freedom he feels to be himself.
And as things continue to get better for LGBTQ youth, I hope you’ll ponder the question, Why should society view a boy or young man in a skirt any differently than a girl or young woman in jeans?
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Dear Julie,
I want to congratulate you on your thoughtfulness, love and understanding of others. This is far different then the frequent pushiness and outright aggressiveness of many gays, their allies and the “opposition”.
There is a huge gulf between demanding that people think like you and accept every aspect of your life and your approach of let’s all be understanding of each other and enjoy the differences and diversity that brings.
Your approach will bring about much more understanding and acceptance for people in general. The polarization of different groups whether they be gay, straight, rich, poor, Christian, Jew, atheist, right or left is tearing families and this country apart.
It’s all this diversity of thoughts, beliefs and lifestyles that enrich us as human beings. They are not reasons to exclude others. Outstanding.
Love you,
Larry
Wow, Larry, such a reflective comment. Thank you. I think we both believe that diversity is something to celebrate. How boring life would be if we were all the same. There’s a lot of different things going on, and I don’t think any one way is the right way, or the only way. As a very wise person once said, “If you don’t like tomatoes, then don’t eat tomatoes. But don’t ask that they be eliminated and don’t condemn anyone that eats them.” our likes and dislikes are as different as our fingerprints, and that variety furthers new ideas. I’m hopeful we can all choose what pleases us, have some fun and enjoy life together! Love, Julie xo
You did it again! You are always amazing me with your incredible memory and consciousness and awareness of who Harry is and who you are. Expression is what comes after gentle self-acceptance and our acceptance of one another’s expression is the goal of any enlightened and open person and, by extension, society.
Your good works are necessary so never, never, never give up!!!! (Churchill during the war).
Thanks, Rickshala! Please know that the lessons from Harry are engrained on my memory. He’s always known who he is and taught me so much about self-acceptance. He’s one remarkable kid. Hugs, Julie xo
OMG! Before I read the blurb and story attached I DID think this was Harry!
More inspiring words and stories of Harry’s intelligence and individuality at such an early age! Always interesting and fun for me to read.
Love, Kat
I know, right?! So much like Harry. Even he thinks so. 🙂 Glad you enjoyed the piece. I always appreciate your comments. Love, Julie xo