My son loves wearing dresses. I am endlessly proud of his courage and resilience. I keep using male pronouns because, even though we give him space to explore who he is, he tells us—and everyone else—that he is “just a boy who likes to wear dresses.” And that honesty? It takes real bravery.
At the start of the school year, not every kid was as kind about his dresses. Some said things that hurt him, and for a few months, Finn retreated to wearing only pants. It was a hard time, watching him shrink a little, hiding a part of himself. But over the last months of the school year, he found his confidence again. He returned to his true self, and seeing him shine like that has been the happiest thing for our family.
I asked him once if I could share a picture of him in a dress. He said, “Only with one person,” because he’s not one to share his photos easily. A few days later, I sat down with him again and tried a different approach. I said, “Hey bud, remember that amazing picture of you in the pink dress? Remember how you were scared to wear a dress for a while? I want to share your picture so that maybe another boy who’s afraid to wear a dress can see you, and know he’s not alone.”
Finn’s eyes lit up, and he broke into the biggest smile. “Dad,” he said, “maybe you should share that picture.” What a strong little guy. That moment reminded me just how brave and thoughtful he is—and how much impact even one small act of courage can have.
I also want to take a moment to send love and gratitude to his school, Queen Margaret’s. They have been incredible. The teachers have supported Finn and helped educate the other students. They’ve been open to letting him wear the tunic or kilt uniform on occasion, and they even hosted a pride day a few weeks ago that filled the school with rainbows and created space for all students to be themselves. That kind of support matters more than words can say.
Finn is a boy who loves wearing dresses, and I could not be prouder. Anyone who says anything negative about a boy in a dress will meet the papa bear in me. In our home, we accept people as they are and encourage them to be whoever they want to be.
So if you know a boy—or a man—who loves wearing dresses but feels insecure, share Finn’s story with them. Show them his picture, and let them see how brave he is. Maybe, just maybe, my little Finn can help someone feel a little braver too. I am so lucky to be his dad.
As always, I’ll leave you with one of his favorite reminders:
“Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don’t matter, and those who matter don’t mind.”
