On the left, dad takes a silly selfie with his sons, on the right, one of his sons shyly wears a pink dress

‘My son likes to wear dresses, and I am so damn proud of his bravery.’: Dad embraces son’s free gender expression

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Published by Devon Ledbetter: Jun 23, 2021Updated: Feb 16, 2023

“My son likes to wear dresses. I am so damn proud of his strength and bravery. I keep using male pronouns because even though we give him space he tells us, and everyone else, that he is ‘just a boy who likes to wear dresses.’

At the start of the school year, some kids were not as cool about his dresses and said some stuff that sent him into a few months of pants only. But in the last months of the school year, Finn has been back to his true self, which makes him and his family so happy.

I asked him once if I could share this picture and he said, ‘Only with one person.’ He is not a fan of sharing his picture. But a few days later I sat down with him and asked again, but this time I said, ‘Hey bud, remember the awesome picture of you in that beautiful pink dress? Well, remember how you were afraid to wear a dress for a while? Well, I want to share your picture so maybe if another boy is afraid to wear a dress, he’ll see your picture and not be afraid because he can see you in a dress and know he is not alone.’ Finn got the biggest smile on his face and said, ‘Dad, maybe you should share that picture.’ What a strong little guy.

Dad with a red mohawk takes a goofy selfie with his two sons — Courtesy of Jared Qwustenuxun Williams

And while I am here, I want to send some love to our boy’s school, Queen Margaret’s. They have been SUPER supportive, the teachers have been great at helping educate the other kids. They are even totally willing to let him wear the tunic or kilt uniform, which he has a few times. They even hosted a pride day a few weeks ago that filled the school with rainbows and space for the students to be themselves.

Finn is a boy who likes to wear dresses and I am so damn proud of him. And if anyone in my life says anything bad about a dude in a dress, they are gonna meet the papa bear in me. In my house, we accept people as they are and support them to be who they want to be.

Dad with a red and black mohawk hugs his two sons for a photo while hiking — Courtesy of Jared Qwustenuxun Williams

So if you know a boy, or a man, who likes to wear dresses but feels insecure, show them this picture of Finn and share the story of his bravery. Maybe my little Finn can make a big difference. Love this kid.

‘Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don’t matter, and those who matter don’t mind.'”

Little boy smiles shyly while wearing a hot pink princess dress — Courtesy of Jared Qwustenuxun Williams

This story was submitted to Love What Matters by Jared Qwustenuxun Williams of Quw’ustun, now known as Duncan, BC, Canada. Be sure to subscribe to our free email newsletter for our best stories.