woman

Out and Proud

Love, Open Letters, Wedding

Saw a lovely post from a teacher who speaks about coming out, after marrying her wife.

He roost reminded me why I came out and keep coming out each year, each semester, in each new class. Being out in my classroom is one of the most valuable lessons and teachable moments I have to offer. It shows closeted kids or those with queer family that it’s possible to live a beautiful, rich and happy life; to be a professional; to be respected and successful as a queer person.

What else motivates me to be out in my classroom? It provides visibility and hope to kids and a learning opportunity about the diversity within our community. So many important steps towards inclusion and acceptance begin with the risk of being seen. For many it is about knowing someone and having that relationship spark the curiosity to question what we have learned or previously taken as truth. It’s hard to bear hatred or intolerance when you have a face to put to the name, whatever the marginalized group or person may be. I am their teacher. Someone they know and care about. Someone who has modelled caring and for respect for all the things that make them who they are. I actively teach anti-oppression and critical thinking about diversity, myth-busting the rhetoric that too frequently is used to promote intolerance.

If it’s safe to do so… come on out. Our kids need to see you there.

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39 weeks

style

OOTD – while the due date approaches,… it has been a tough few days. I’ve been having some anxiety. Bad dreams. But pushing through.

I’m dressing like Phoebe from the 90s. Vintage patterned dress, oversized cardigan and knee high socks. Black silky top with bold silver statement necklace from Shannon Passero. Throw on a muppet-inspired navy faux fur coat from Zara for the eve of legalization party at The Drake. Spend a cozy day in a classic sweater dress in camel and navy stripes.

Week 38 Bump OOTD

style

Still rolling along with little one on slow cook. Fall temperatures have brought some relief, but Summer seems to be making a comeback with some warm and sunny weather. This far along, dresses are my best friend.

Lots of dresses in my life, from top left, Anthropologie navy with white dots, Winners red and black mod flowers, psychedelic silky tunic from a clothing swap, and an oversized black and white spotted Zara dress shirt with peplum. All worn with some variation of black leggings and boots or jeans and boots. Never skip a chance to wear your res lipstick (if you’re into that sort of thing).

Week 37 Bump OOTD

style

My last week at work flew by and I can hardly believe it’s maternity leave, starting today. I’m feeling bigger than ever, but I’ve definitely got the hang of planning outfits that still make me feel like I’ve got some personal style, as well as being comfortable – to whatever degree you can be comfortable when your bump is this big.

From top left-

1- I got this tiny floral print pink and tangerine blouse from a clothing swap, layered over a tank and paired with fall lips and nails. Simple gold jewelry.

2- This is a pre-pregnancy favorite: a gray and black striped oversize sweater, with a wide, long torso and fitted sleeves. Black jeans and a glass and silver necklace from Toronto designer Biko.

Bottom-

3- One of my very favourite sweaters, in a blanket print, maxi length with a hood and bell sleeves, from Free People. This necklace, a gift from my friend, who picked it up at H&M for a song, really takes things up a notch when layered with my summer slip dress in slate gray.

4- My wife is a fan of two things, the colour blush, and oversized, drapey tops. Fortunately this is perfect for third trimester. This blush tank is super soft and works as a base layer, under a floral kimono, with my everyday nameplate necklace from Seven Reasons and some swapped earrings.

5- This is my witchy outfit- A broad brimmed black hat, soft T-shirt style black sweater tunic, black leggings, black Blundstones, and a maxi length lace and fringe vest… Also black. I almost feel ‘not pregnant’ in this.

Maybe now that I’m on that leave, I will abandon all efforts to look pulled together. But probably not 😉

35 and 36 weeks

style

Count it out! Just a few weeks to go and I’m not running out of ideas yet. But I’m ready, physically, for this to be done!

Left to right, top to bottom:

Thyme Maternity floral bump dress, I borrowed from a friend, worn with brown ankle boots, navy blue leggings, and a mask coloured duster jacket and gold geometric earrings.

Fab fit fun multicolour wrap scarf in orange fuchsia and purple, worn over a Zara XL purple V-neck tunic. With jeans and cute flats.

Black and gray 90s vintage dress, from my mother’s closet! This Maxi is stretch cotton and paired with a simple black necklace and slick ponytail, I looked way to pull together for someone who is basically wearing what feels like a nightgown.

Bottom row: Hoibo (local Toronto designer) black sleeveless swing dress, midi length, with matching nail polish and subtle purple gloss, paired with H&M tassel earrings, and a seven-year-old H&M lace top in aubergine, tucked up to accommodate the belly.

Mendocino sleeveless waffle turtleneck, tunic length, over dark denim with a feather pendant necklace and burgundy lips. Fall booties are a must, with low stack heel.

Next, from left to right:

Red and navy striped dress from market in the UK, layered over a white T-shirt with simple gold jewellery and flip-flops.

Kalijana designer dress, handed down from a friend’s neighbour, with asymmetrical hem and pockets. Necklace from The Likely General – worm with striped Espadrilles.

Bottom row: H&M blue and white printed dress with tie waist.

Colamoon blue tank dress with Stevie-inspired fringes maxi vest. Tassel necklace from H&M, With my new Fab Fit Fun faux leather carryall.

Striped Zara High low hem tunic with ruffled bottom. Necklace by White Feather Designs. Paired with dark denim.

A Week of Bump Style

style

Clockwise from top left:

H&M tunic with tassels, bright lip and hoop earrings – over maternity jeans.

Zara rust coloured XL dress with ankle boots and chunky necklace.

Maternity tank with cutoff denim button up and gunmetal necklace, quirky bracelet found at a market and striped maxi skirt (Grey).

60s-inspired polkadot Zara dress with a vintage necklace from my mother, over black Nulu leggings with black ankle boots and a red lip, with topknot.

Coming to the end of 34 weeks! Keep your fingers crossed.

OOTD The Orchard, After Chekhov

style

Spent an awesome day at the theatre with my lady – saw a production of The Orchard, after Chekhov, a great post-colonial piece. And also enjoyed Grand Hotel and Of Men and Marriage ( all part of the Shaw Festival’s 2018 season).

Rocking heatwave approved palazzo pants and tank (H&M), hat (Lack of Colour), striped layering piece (Mendocino) and shoes from Call It Spring (5 seasons ago). Allia on the other hand looked smashing, and/but was literally wearing an entire outfit identical to a 60 year old man also in attendance. And I love her for that. She is my own personal #manrepeller

Hats off to end of Summer Style! Yet, the heatwave persists.