Special Feature: Queer

Students share how much fashion has helped them.

By Lilianna Agatupu

Junior Mayo Jack came out at a young age and is learning to express themself with fashion. They can be seen wearing dresses and skirts, with makeup on.

“I’ve been able to go against the norms and express myself in ways that are wearable and can be shown all day long. Since I’ve let myself go, my style has definitely changed; from wearing jeans and t-shirts to dresses and skirts” Jack said.

Teenagers learn to express themselves through the way they dress. When teenagers come out, some start dressing differently and learning how to express themselves through fashion. Some dress feminine, masculine or androgynous.

Changing up your style can help queer students feel more comfortable about their sexuality. Its a way of acceptance for queer people.

“My style makes me feel a lot more expressive about it and kind of like, you know I am who I am. I’m open about it.” Junior Trinity DeLa Cruz said.

When changing up your style, it is a big change because it is your appearance. It takes adjusting from yourself and others.

“Before I used to be scared to dress masc in fear of people thinking I was a lesbian, but now I’m comfortable with my sexuality and I like to express that side.” Junior Alexis Dulan said. “I used to just wear leggings and sweaters. I had no style, I came out when I was in 7th grade. My grandparents look at me a little strange when I dress masc.”

When you’re young and figuring out your sexuality, the way you dress helps you express yourself. Dressing differently than how you used to can make you feel safe and comfortable.

“Being a lot more able to change with being masculine and feminine, it definitely made me more comfortable. I wouldn’t say you have to dress the way I dress to be validated as gender fluid or trans of some sort. The way you dress is the way you dress. Overall the way I dress made me feel more comfortable in my skin.” Freshman Killian Garcia said.

The way you dress really does have a big impact in your life, especially when you’re learning to become more comfortable with your sexuality.

“I’m comfortable and fashionable, I tend to dress with my mood, but I do hope I can wear more formal dresses in public.” Jack said. Junior Mayo Jack before coming out as androsexual, and them now wearing a dress to prom.

Junior Trinity DeLa Cruz before coming out as bisexual was only seen wearing skinny jeans, but now owns no pairs of skinny jeans.

Junior Alexis Dulan switches from femme to masc occasionally.

Freshman Killian Garcia also switches from femme to masc.