I used to work at a local family owned diner. One day, the old-timey father who used to own the place came in and asked me why I have long hair. He said something to do with it being for girls. I told him because I wanted to.

He never spoke to me again. Which wasn't an issue.

It also cost me a front-desk job in the Rocky Mountains in Alberta, CA. It came across as they needed help in the kitchen, which they did, but the accountant told me of their meeting over drinks one night. He was the only manager left out of various management events, we were thinking probably because he was gay.

I understand my parents just wanted to protect me from discrimination of this kind.

Surprisingly though, my mother adapted most to the new hair. It now disappoints her that it's usually tied up.

Thank you for your supporting words 🙏🙏

edit — not to mention the occasional harassment from vehicles driving by. From kids younger than me too. I don't get it. At one point I guess I looked like a bearded lady... though to be fair, I did make an unnecessary amount of eye contact with the passengers before they said anything.