Here on PYM, we’re all about the girl power and lifting up other women. There is a gap in our society that we strive to fill with positivity and authenticity. Although this is our daily goal, we also want to be inclusive to other communities.

We want to create a space to have difficult conversations and share vulnerable stories, and we cannot do this without being inclusive. PYM is geared towards women empowerment and the female perspective; however, we believe it is important to bring in outside perspectives to gain awareness. Together, we can become more understanding and compassionate of those around us.

As we explore other perspectives of femininity and how to be more inclusive, we couldn’t think of a better person to give us feedback and share their journey than the beautiful #WESTONLOHMAN. Weston was kind and vulnerable enough to share his relationship with empowerment and femininity as a member of the LGBT community.

Here’s what he had to say:

First off…. O M G! I am so excited to be answering these questions with the PYM girls!

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“Who runs the world? G I R L S.” – beyonce

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westonlohman ENTERS room

What does femininity mean to me?

To me, femininity is something to embrace and be comfortable with. I like to think about femininity and masculinity in terms of energy. We all have both feminine and masculine energy. Neither are better than or less than the other. We all have our unique balance of the two. I like to celebrate my softness and vulnerable side. Learning to be comfortable with this and owning your identity is powerful. Feminine/Masculine norms are social constructs that we all should learn more about.

What challenges have you faced being apart of the LGBTQ+ community?

Personally, I have not faced many challenges being apart of the LGBTQ+ community. I am blessed to have so many loved ones by my side who are accepting and willing to learn beside me. Of course, I faced the personal challenge of coming out and accepting my own identity. This was the hardest challenge for me. After that challenge, everything seemed manageable. Push the haters to the side and WORK THAT CROWN SIS.

I am also challenged every day to fight for my brothers and sisters within the LGBTQ+ community. Being an advocate for LGBTQ rights and helping those whose stories are not like mine.

Challenges with self-expressions/ feminine traits?

Oh girrrllll! I love many things that are considered feminine! Does that stop me? HELL NO.

From a simple face mask to a show-stopping striped pant. I love expressing my feminine side. To me, I don’t even think about it being feminine, it’s just something I enjoy. Like self-care and hygiene.. or from boring to stylish. This past birthday, I was courageous and got acrylic nails. Why? To be sassy. To be fierce. To bring all of that energy into turning 22. Did I get comments about it being feminine? Yes. But I just continued with life and didn’t let those comments stop me from feeling myself.

How do you express yourself?

fashion. music. art. movement. tattoos.

Everything is in some way a form of self-expression. I don’t really think about it in expressing myself but living authentically

what does authenticity mean to me?

Not thinking about my actions and just doing. In a good way. Like joining gymnastics rather than football because it made me happy. Authenticity is being present. Living in the moment with pure confidence and staying true to yourself. To me, authenticity is eating 3 chocolate bars in one sitting and dancing in the kitchen to Lady Gaga.

How can PYM to be more inclusive?

Always be willing to listen, learn, and adapt. We could all do this more in our own lives. By listening to others’ stories and learning something new, we can adapt our ways to be more inclusive.

Keep your arms open to all and have no fear in asking questions!

What makes me feel empowered?

A Chelsea boot with black jeans. (Insert sassy emoji)

Being surrounded by others who are willing to be uncomfortable. Being with others who want to change, learn, and grow to better themselves. Community is everything. Powerful people empower others!

Huge thank you to Weston for sharing his insight with us. We look forward to sharing more from him, and our other LGBT brothers and sisters in the future.

Being Pretty, Young & Motivated is not limited to race, gender or identity. We want to build a community that inspires confidence and kindness for all.