You may have seen me around campus wearing, let’s call it, sometimes, interesting clothing combinations, the one staple being Crocs, especially bright yellow Crocs. But recently, I have started to think that I have really come into my own style lately. I am a Bisexual cisgender male-identifying person. I am writing this to say how important it is to find yourself and be true to yourself. I have been out to my mother and brother since the summer of 2021, who have been supportive, and I have slowly been coming out to more and more people. Now, I want to be clear: if you are not in a safe space to come out, only come out if you feel safe to. It has been so relieving to be my true self and try to find my true self.

I have pierced my ears in Oct., and I feel more like I am being true to myself. It is so freeing to start dressing how I want to, finally. I am beginning to wear big, colorful earrings and more gender-neutral feminine clothes. I sometimes just walk and see a reflection of myself and break down with pure joy. I love the jewelry, scarves, colors, earrings, and hats I have started wearing. Once someone is forced to act or dress a certain way to fit what society wants, it can take a toll on them. I am still trying to decide what I want to do with my hair.

When I was younger, I tried to fit in more with my guy friends, so I would have my hair cut as a buzz cut. I hate having short hair because I associate it with trying to act more straight and be somebody who is not me. I also joined soccer and volleyball to try to act more manly and fit in more. I had no true friends back then because I was lying to myself. Since college, I have started to fit in more and find the true Caleb. I know people out there make fun of how I dress, saying, “Isn’t that a little too much?” Initially, I did not want to dress this way because I feared how people would treat me. A friend convinced me to get my ears pierced, and I am so glad she did that. When I started dressing this way, the amount of compliments I received was amazing. Thank you so much to anybody who has complimented me. A complaint can go a long way, and people like that have kept me going and being my true self. I invite everyone to be themselves and to find a group of people that helps encourage your true self.