When I came out, I didn't want to hide. I wanted to walk true to myself, with pride and without shame, but it was easier said than done. At the time, I had a pair of white shoes that were starting to get a little dirty, so I went to Michael's and bought a set of fabric paint. The next day, my plain sneakers were the bright colors of the rainbow. I named them Roy Gee. In the beginning, I was hesitant to wear my shoes. I only wore them to places I knew would accept me. Slowly, I became more confident and started wearing them everywhere, not letting any judgment get to me.
On July 9th of 2010, Justin Aaberg, a gay 15 year old, hung himself after being constantly bullied. Then only two months later, Billy Lucas, a 15 year old, hung himself. It hurts me to think about what Justin and Billy must have gone through. When I came out, it was hard, but was able to get by with the support of my family and friends. Every teenager, “no matter gay, straight or bi, lesbian, transgendered” should have a supportive community. I wish to be part of that community.
I founded Roy Gee’s and I paint each pair with the hope for a world where everyone, no matter their color, gender, or sexual orientation, can walk, skip and pas de chat as his and her true self. Roy Gee’s are my way of saying, “Stay strong, it gets better, and don’t be afraid to walk in your own shoes.”