Be you, dress right

Sentiments

Angel Clarisse A. Garcia

Stand out! Fit in! These are two conflicting statements that I heard multiple times throughout my life.

I saw how others looked down and talked about people who presented themselves differently, like how people judged a man who wore a skirt or a dress or if a woman decided to wear something more masculine.

The looks that I myself received when I asked to have my hair cut like a male character I idolized, and then when I asked if I could wear a tuxedo for a school dance, or when I decided to finally open up about my sexuality and gender identity.

Hearing and seeing all that made me feel like I had to fit in, in order to find a sense of belongingness.

However, recently I realized that it does not matter what I do as long as it is not harmful to myself and others.

The clothes someone wears do not have to be associated with their gender identity or sexuality. Instead, it is just one of the ways a person can express themselves.

In today’s social climate, most would encourage you to wear the things you want. But, based on my own experiences, quite a lot of people still try to make you adhere to social norms.

That is why Senator Raffy Tulfo filed a bill that allows female students to wear pants instead of skirts for their school uniform.