In a heartwarming series of photographs, mom and photographer Jenna Lane captures the delightful spirit of her five-year-old son, Leo, who embraces fashion without boundaries. Leo loves to defy gender norms by wearing dresses, and Jenna wholeheartedly supports his journey in discovering his personal style.
Jenna shares with Home Insemination Kit that Leo has been sporting dresses for around a year now. Initially, her partner, Michael, had concerns about how others might react, but both parents have ultimately embraced Leo’s choices. “Michael was worried about potential bullying or difficulties Leo might face,” Jenna explains. “But for me, it was an easy decision. I’m fiercely protective of my son and committed to supporting him no matter what. I was raised to challenge traditional gender roles, and I want to pass that strength onto Leo.”
Now, both parents are confident that allowing Leo to dress as he chooses was the right decision. “What reassures us is Leo’s self-assurance and positive outlook,” Jenna says. “His confidence and love for himself, as well as for others, is truly inspiring.”
In a viral post on Bored Panda, Jenna shared several stunning images of Leo in his vibrant dresses, reflecting on how motherhood has transformed her perspective. “I strive to be a role model for Leo,” she writes. “I want him to understand that his voice matters, and I make it a priority to uphold those values.”
Jenna also notes that, like any child his age, Leo has diverse interests. “He enjoys wearing a cape and pretending to be a superhero,” she shares. “His favorites include Ironman, Paw Patrol, hiking, playing with cars, and even getting haircuts to mimic the men he admires.”
The support for Leo extends beyond his home; even his school encourages his clothing preferences. “He attends a Catholic school, and he wears the dress that fits the uniform policy,” Jenna clarifies. “The principal stated that as long as Leo is in uniform, it doesn’t matter what he wears.” This shows how biases are learned behaviors, as Leo has faced no bullying this year.
Jenna believes Leo is simply curious about his identity and societal norms. “He doesn’t feel uncomfortable when referred to as a boy,” she explains. “Once in a while, he expresses a desire to be a girl, and we reassure him that he can be whoever he wants. But he also whimsically mentions wanting to be a superhero with freezing powers or a mermaid. So, I don’t see him as trans; he’s just exploring who he is.”
Jenna’s photographs serve as a beautiful reminder of the essence of parenting – to love and accept your child for their true self. For additional resources on fertility and parenting, check out this great article about fertility boosters for men from our other blog. You can also explore more about pregnancy and home insemination from this excellent resource provided by the CDC.
In summary, Jenna Lane’s journey with her son Leo highlights the importance of supporting children in their self-expression, free from societal constraints. Through love and acceptance, she sets an empowering example that encourages Leo to embrace his identity.