Embracing My Own Womanhood: The Journey to Being Unapologetically Me

  For me, the concept of womanhood has always been a difficult one to reconcile. Ever since I was a little girl, I wanted it all. I loved Disney princesses, sparkles, and the color pink, but I also craved the outdoors. I proudly professed my love for camping, and I became known for my eagerness to pick up slugs. My interests, like anyone else's, were varied. Unfortunately, every piece of media I consumed told me otherwise. I watched khaki-clad characters bravely trek through the jungle, and female scientists donned their lab coats and goggles even outside of their work. I was taught that women could be anything, but princesses don't go hiking and explorers don't wear skirts.

  My inner turmoil only increased as I got older and realized I was a lesbian. Sure, the world had grown into a more accepting place. There were lesbian characters in mainstream media, but they were all stereotypically butch. I took it in stride and decided that was just what a lesbian looked like, so that was how l dressed. In high school, I had about thirteen different colored flannels and wore my hair in a ponytail 24/7.

  It wasn't until college that I realized I was my own person. I left my small town and met other lesbians, beautiful, strong, women who were unapologetically themselves. They wore lacy dresses, makeup, and bows in their hair, and they were powerful. They were still "lesbian enough." They were still "woman enough." They were just like me.