Will We Remember This Feeling?

Here we are in the midst of a global pandemic and a feeling of being pinned down, hidden, and locked inside. A familiar lifestyle that many of us remember not too many years ago. For the wonderful millennials and Gen Z, remember this feeling your whole life as a brief moment you get to experience for what many in our gay community endured their whole lives on a daily basis. I know many of you still live hidden, whether that’s from family, friends, or work. Luckily, there are increasingly more places to escape and feel comfortable being yourself.  

I am thankful that I have experienced both the hiding and the freedom, but grateful that new generations can be more free to express themselves. I have found that with age comes a stronger feeling of confidence, or better connections to my gay community. Both confidence and community are important to your journey.

I still have some trouble with expressing myself. For example, I have trouble holding my husband’s hand in public (even on the city streets of the most excepting of cities, like NYC). Sad, I know. I love him so much and I am proud of our relationship, but the trauma of my past and fear of what might come at us, worries me. This lockdown experience is reminiscently like a lifetime of hiding. Hopefully this is a short term quarantine, but does give you a feeling of being forced to do something you don’t want, didn’t ask for, and at times powerless to control. 

INVI was born into existence to help voice that which our real voices need not to say. I find that I enjoy and feel empowered by wearing a shirt to express my inner voice. The one that expresses who I really am. Shirts like Gay for Play, and Rainbow Power are something I would never have worn 10 years ago. But today, I see myself stepping in a ray of light that is shining directly on me.  Do you feel hidden, locked away, and in need of a ray of light? Even Something like the Cock of the Month watches can be worn to express who you are, without being fully out there. 

I want you to feel empowered and let the world see you in a whole new light. You deserve to be center stage, or at least a part of the chorus. Your voice, the love you have to give, and your presence is what makes our community strong. Even when you only participate, spend time with friends, or show up to a family function, you are making a difference to further express the amazing person that you are or have the vision to become. The INVI brand wants to be your best friend on your journey to who you are and/or destine to become.

Ken Dickison