Femme Vibe
Photography: LonnieWoodsTheThird. Makeup: Kay Davenport
"She's gay," they say. Does being obsessed with The L Word back in 2005 and having a crush on Shane mean I am gay?
The first time I was called a lesbian I was roughly 19-20 years old. A GROWN woman who was a regular patron of the hair salon my aunt worked informed her that she spotted me at the mall lip-locking with my girlfriend. I remember feeling angry and super annoyed at her lies. Young Ashley was mad family members present for the gossip did not slap her like Stephen slapped Irene on The Real World: Seattle when she called him homosexual.
The second time I was faced with the lesbian rumor was a couple of months ago. The situation was very similar to the one above. However, the GROWN woman this time believed it to be true because I do not talk discuss guys with her (we are not close) or ever post about guys and/or relationships (privacy is key). Again, I was angry and felt the need to "set her straight.'
Although being called a lesbian was used in a negative connotation, I know it is not. It was the act of making up lies and rumors that was bothersome. I hate that people are overly concerned with one's sexuality. What if I was a lesbian? In what way would that affect someone else's life? Why is it a topic of discussion? Because I am confident in who I am and my sexuality, in both instances I decided not to address the women involved and to ignore the rumors. When you are doing great positive things and flourishing, there will ALWAYS be naysayers and gossipers who will make up fictitious stories.
Ray Charles to the B.S.
I spotted this "Femme Vibe" t-shirt months ago in H&M and had to have it, I knew I wanted to retell the story of my "gay" life through fashion. I love androgynous looks and shop in the men's section often. I frequently purchase men's t-shirts, shorts, and boxer briefs! Men's clothing is very comfortable and can be easily transitioned to be feminine. Next time you are out shopping wander into the men's section to see what you find!