Fuck Stereotypes

Be A Man

“Boys shouldn’t play with dolls”

That’s what papa always told me

“Crying makes you look weak”

I am to have a muscular physique

He wanted me to be strong

“Men are to have muscles

Be tough

They are to never show any emotion

That would show others that they are weak

Men are to keep the tough act all times

Be at the top of everything

Never be afraid

Participate in sports

A man is to never in anyway

Act like a woman”

Papa’s words to me throughout my childhood

But I didn’t turn out how he wanted me to be

I painted my nails

Had muscles but wasn’t muscular

I cried, constantly

Everything scared me

I often wore hooped earrings

Even did my covered my face in colorful makeup

Papa wasn’t happy

He would sometimes yell at me

“You’re a disgrace

You aren’t and will never be a man

You are not my son”

His words used to hurt

Even caused me to give up

And try to stick to what he wanted

Even if it made me unhappy

But that’s not me

It’ll never be

Satisfying

For society

I no longer care

About what others think

Because I paint my nails

Because I like make-up

Because i’m not tough

Just because i’m not what you want me to be

Doesn’t make any less of the man