I'm 42 and I am balding. My hair was always a huge part of my identity growing up, as it usually is for a lot of queer kids, and an avenue to express myself and what it felt like to be different. My hair always felt like some kind of in-built safe space or my own playground.

When it started thinning out in my 30s, I didn't just have to confront how going bald hurt my vanity but how it altogether informed my own idea of myself. My hair was betraying me. It became something to feel ashamed of, something new to make me feel less than, something to hide.

So...I didn't grow up gay to keep hiding or feel ashamed in my 40s. That's exhausting. I'm reclaiming my bald round shiny head as part of who I am now, and I'm still me, and I'm still beautiful. There's nothing worse than not feeling safe in your safe space anymore.

So when that happens, create new safe spaces. Last night I shaved it all off. I would particularly like for this to reach every gay guy who's ever been otherized by the gay community because of their baldness. To you I say: fuck the noise. Own your beauty. You're amazing.

I was feeling myself this morning