How do you go about choosing your clothes? Are there things that restrict you when making your choices?

I choose my clothes entirely based on where I'm going and why I'm going there. Other than that, I try not to filter myself too much. Of course, there are specific places where I'm forced to filter myself. Normally, when I'm choosing my clothes without any filters, I'm influenced by social media and artists I admire. Beyond that, I wouldn't exactly call it cross-dressing, but I love choosing clothes from the women's section—it's something I enjoy. Because, why not! Sometimes the cuts I'm looking for simply aren't available in the men's section.

I asked you what you would wear if there were no restrictions in your mind, and you chose these clothes. Why did you choose this specific outfit?

I think what I’m wearing suits my body well. But for the public, it might be seen as a bit of an 'exhibitionist' choice.

Do you feel that you are being judged or frowned upon by society because of the clothes you've chosen?

Of course. People are constantly posting hate comments on social media. Even if I don't encounter it to this extent on the street, I see that hatred online. They notice even the smallest accessory—details that most people wouldn't even look at. Something as simple as an earring, for instance.

Who are the people judging and criticizing you based on your appearance? Is it your peers—is this a form of peer pressure/bullying—or is it the older generations? What would you say?

In a way, everyone judges my appearance, but it’s usually very average people. Other than that, it’s older people because they haven't seen this before and aren’t accustomed to our generation. In a sense, we are 'edgy' characters—me, my friends, and most of the people around me—so we’re constantly being targeted. While it’s not so much face-to-face on the street, we constantly receive hate-filled comments on social media. I do get negative comments from the environment I grew up in as well, but the ones doing this are usually people I don't know at all. You know how people judge a stranger more easily and tend to assume the worst? Well, I’m the one who has to face that. The people on the street are mostly from my own generation, but on social media, most are anonymous. Since they don't have profiles, I have no idea who they are. Though, based on their writing style, I’d guess 99% of them are men.

You mentioned that you donated 80% of your clothes because you weren't able to wear them.

Yes, I did it recently, and I did the same thing last year too. I've downsized most of my wardrobe because I just can't wear them. The reason for most of it is that same old talk. For example, I had a pink hoodie. It was a very bright pink, and after being teased about it a few times—even if it was framed as a joke—I stopped wearing it. Once I stopped wearing those pieces, I eventually donated them. I have many items like this that I could count, but in the past, there were even more.

Would you say that these criticisms regarding your clothes have also spilled over into other areas of your life?

Of course. It’s not just about the clothes, but as I grow older and time passes, I’m trying to break through this. I try not to care too much. I think as time goes by and I mature, I’m also becoming stronger as a person. I try to do my own thing. This is a risk, of course, but taking risks is also okay.