I have to echo this sentiment really because I completely agree with it.

Don't let stereotypes get to you whatsoever, Akyra.

I know that's easy for me to say when I'm not the one dealing with the same issues as you, but I do think about something similar. I only wish I were a braver and more confident person to be able to do it.

I really enjoy wearing high-heeled boots. I think they look great, they feel great, I can walk in them well and they make me feel pretty empowered. Cosplay helped me a lot as well because I can cosplay my favourite male characters, but I can also attend conventions as my favourite female characters and be more respected and treated as my own person than anything else.

With that being said, I'm a completely straight guy with a girlfriend of three years. I just hate the fact that society says guys can't wear heels without being publicly ridiculed, so I can completely understand feeling scared or worried of being stereotyped.

I was at College a few years ago and was close friends with a girl there, but she wanted to change gender and be referred to by a name of her choice. From then on we all treat her the way she (still feels weird referring to him officially as a she) wanted to be treated and we never bat an eyelid.

My best advice is to try your absolute hardest to drive those stereotype fears out of your mind and focus on what you want, and not what society says you have to want. We're only here once, and while it's easy for me to say, I think we should all make the absolute most of it and make ourselves as happy as possible. Otherwise what are we taking to the grave? nothing.

Tell you what - you work on being the person you want to be, and I'll work on working up the courage to go out into public wearing my heels. Let's make ourselves as happy as possible.

All the best, and stay happy.
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