Pride, Gender and Jewelry
Hey all! June is Pride month here in Canada and the US so I thought it was a good time to explain how I have to label/tag my pieces and how it is actually meaningless. It's not an accurate reflection of how I feel about gender and jewelry.
If you haven't picked up on my hippie vibes from a lot of my jewelry, I am very passionate about the concept of #loveislove. Everyone deserves love, peace and acceptance. It's not that it should just be private, or none of my business, who people love. I am completely happy for people who have found love, in themselves and in others. Period. If that love is between people of the same sex, transgender, people who identify as both, several or an undefined gender, or any other related definition or experience within the LGTBQ+ community, I'm good with it. Because LOVE is the important detail here, nothing else. I fully support people living their lives as their true authentic selves FEEL in their hearts, minds and bodies. We are all unique.
In my online shop, I have to list my jewelry pieces in a very specific way to have them "found" when potential buyers who venture onto Etsy.com (and don't already know about My Beading Art) shop and specifically "search" for specific items. I do research on this before I publish a new listing and try to figure out the words and phrases people may use who are looking for the types of beaded jewelry I design and sell. Traditional terms like "women's jewelry", "men's bracelets" "necklaces for guys", "anklets for women" are very common and popular terms. I often include phrases like "unisex jewelry" and "unisex bracelets" too, but probably the women and men specific wording stand out more when you scan my pages of one-of-a-kind jewelry. The same is true for my kids jewelry. I often label pieces "kids bracelet" or "kids necklace" in addition to "girls" and "boys" because the size and fit of the pieces on smaller wrists and necks are relevant, not the colour theme, nor traditional masculine or feminine aesthetics.
So thank you for reading, and the opportunity to tell you what's in my heart. I am happy when a woman buys a bracelet labeled "man's bracelet" for herself, and when boys want pink necklaces! As long as it fits and you love it, wear it and enjoy! (And if it doesn't fit, I'll MAKE it fit!)
So if you are in a province or state where you can actually go out and celebrate pride this month (or anytime) consider yourselves lucky! I'm in Ontario where we are starting to crawl out of a third wave of Covid that still has most public places and events locked down. Please celebrate for all of us who aren't able to!
Peace, love and rainbow jewelry for all! Xoxo Hedy
