Hello people who maybe enjoy reading my words,
It’s Melanie and I’m back. Speaking of back, how’s your back? Is it still quietly hurting you like the first time you experienced heartbreak? I hope not. I hope it’s doing just *spine.* It’s pride month folks. So get your backs, butts, and boobies primed for celebration! Like my back, pride month is very close to my heart. I have a gay older sister who has taught me, by example, invaluable lessons on the importance of nurturing self-identity, empathy, and confidence. My best friend is a Muslim bisexual girl who also unapologetically exemplifies the same amazing traits. And you might be curious. What is it like being a practicing Muslim and a member of the LGBTQIA community? Similar to trying to hold back tears during the final scene in Call Me By Your Name, it is hard, as she succinctly puts it. I believe fashion and sexual orientation can both fall under the umbrella of self-expression. My gay older sister straddles the line of gender identity with her predominately unisex wardrobe and short, choppy hair. Loose black t-shirts, crisp button-up shirts, high waisted cut-off dickies, and chunky doc martens reign in her everyday outfits. They also stand in stark contrast to what society has deemed traditionally feminine, which I have been socialized to believe as floral sundresses, clothing with delicate fabrics such as lace and silk, and according to google images, lots of soft pink hues. And don’t get me wrong, I know that one’s choice of clothing does not necessarily point towards a specific sexual orientation. However, my human sexuality professor has proclaimed that stereotypes typically exist based on repeated patterns people have noticed. Although the way my sister expresses herself through clothing may be unorthodox and has lead to countless awkward instances of mistaken gender identity in public, she still stays true to her style. And I don’t know about you, but to me, there is nothing greater than having the courage to express oneself through clothing despite the potential risk of judgmental glances, low whispers, and possibly discrimination. Side note: Has anyone really benefited from high school dress codes? Please let me know if you have. Otherwise, I’ll die with that one question forever imprinted on my psyche, along with the other unanswerable questions such as, “Will Timothee Chalamet ever stop being such a beautiful and adorable human masterpiece?!” and “How many times must I read or watch Call Me By Your Name before a real life Elio magically appears before my very eyes and gives me his iconic “faces shirt” before I shower the heartbroken boy in a loving embrace?” Perhaps a less rhetorical question would be, “Is anyone going to San Diego Pride next month?” Let’s meet up and be friends… and maybe more? 😉 Best friends, duh! You freaks! You think I’m emotionally stable enough for a committed and loving relationship right now? Well then, ME TOO SIS! I’M SO SO READY! I’M SO READY IT HURTS!!! But where are the guys attracted to girls who carry around pocket constitutions in their purse and cry at cat documentaries?! Tell me! I’ll maybe see you at SD pride, but my social forecast is telling me most definitely not, so here’s one thing I have left to say: Remember to wave those pride flags not just this month, but for every month, day, hour, and second you have. Be bold and be you. Be proud of who you are and show that pride unapologetically. (to the shitty people reading this, please ignore the latter statement) Wear what makes you feel alive and seen because you deserve it to yourself and this world.
Peace,
Melanie T/ MelT
melt fashion 