The truth is it was a couple of months between August and October - I straightened my hair ...that didn't work so I blew out my hair ...that didn't work so I had it relaxed.
Net effect of all the three was "My Bad Hair Day"
It is very interesting what a change of image can do. In that short span of time I got used to being stared at in the street and having people whisper behind my back at school or at work.
Of course the discussion would be "Look at that guy..." "is that a man or a woman" "Is that a gay man?" ...somehow gay stereotypes on TV and movies make feminine leanings in men be mistaken for gay.
Kenya being what it is in terms of tolerance and homophobia being gay or "gay look alike" is not anything any man straight, gay or one who is totally not having sex would like to be mistaken or identified with it could cost your life.
Besides mine was an identity thing not a sexuality thing ...but try explaining the difference between physical gender, gender identity and sexuality to an irate mob.
My very androgynous sense of fashion didn't help matters.
Actually when my hair behaved properly (there were days when it got a life of its own and was all over my head and found its way to the wind). On the days when it behaved and stayed in place I had a couple of funny incidents ...I went shopping for a USB drive and the guard at this supermarket says to me "Sister, you can leave your bag here" (of course in Kiswahili) - I promptly inform him I don't want to leave the bag it has valuables and then manage to keep a straight face with the confusion in his eyes when he hears a deep voice.
Of course over the months these type of incidents were common - I'd buy stuff and the Indian proprietor would go "Thank you Madam!" ...I sort of got used to it and was never offended when anyone mistook me for whatever - after all it was my fault ...I had blurred the gender lines.
So now I am back to a normal hairstyle - main reason being I am not single anymore and while I can stand stares, be amused at gossip and risk mistaken identity while on my own ...it would be too much to ask of someone who loves you to endure any of the three...(it would actually be selfish and someone said love isn't selfish)
So hairstyle 2013??? Once I am done paying debts and saving - hit me with your suggestions.
I don't like dreadlocks, I can't do popcorn or braids, straightening and blow out is out of the question and extreme dyes can cost me my job (or should I say to hell with employment)
Funny thing - during the three months I did not think of taking pics of myself and so the clips down here are salvaged from some music practice videos (hence they are not my best appearance) but oh well twas a bad hair day, what do you expect.
