Like most members of the LGBTQ+ community, I spent most of my teens and early adult life struggling with my identity. Not because of my sexuality or my gender, I’ve always been super proud of both. Being queer and a woman but with the stigma and stereotypes that society placed on me.

For those of you wondering why I call myself queer. For many years the word queer was used as a slur towards us, “you f****** queers”, so now most of us use it to take ownership and power back to that word.

I’ve always been a more masculine presenting lesbian. That’s just my energy and now I fully embrace it and love that about me, but damn it has been hard getting to that point of self-acceptance.

Take shopping for clothes for example, really feminine clothes have never been my vibe but shopping in the “men’s” section was always uncomfortable. Nowhere to try on the clothes as well as people sometimes staring and commenting.

The lead up to formal events, like weddings or work parties was an absolute anxiety rollercoaster. I would be so scared to wear a suit for the judgement people would make, all the while knowing it’s the only outfit I would feel comfortable in.

There were times when I felt like a total outsider. Even as a small child I remember boys not wanting to play with me because I was a girl, but the girls didn’t want to play with me because I was like a boy.

Fast forward to 35 year old Becs and I am so proud to be queer and a woman. Most of all I’m proud to be me and love all of me for exactly who I am.

It doesn’t matter who we kiss, or the clothes that we wear. All that matters is being your authentic self! So, on that note, let’s all crack open a cold Neitiv Coconut Flower Beer and toast ourselves for the awesome humans we are!!!