Nail polish at work

[saint]

I work as a support worker with vulnerable adults. Sometimes I accompany people to less than pleasant parts of town; some of the people I work with unintentionally attract negative attention to themselves in public through their behaviour, and most are unable to deal with any level of confrontation in a positive way.

It has become very important to me (for a number of reasons) to express my gender and to 'own' control of my body; one way I chose to this is by wearing nail polish.  My first thought is that I should not do this at work as it could increase the risk of people I support.  Then again, maybe I am just using that as an excuse to avoid leaving my comfort zone.  BUT anyone who is looking for trouble would already be able to identify me as a someone who doesn't fit the stereotype of a 'traditional' hetero macho male through my manner, speech, haircut...  How much control over my body am I going to give up?

To be honest I sometimes find it hard to judge gender roles and I am not sure how 'far out' a guy in nail polish actually is these days.  Would it be judged more as a fashion statement than a gender issue?  I am completely befuddled 

This may seem like a small issue but it has very significant meaning for me, and it has been wrecking my head for ages.  I am getting no further with this - any help would be appreciated

[Cindy]

 Hi Saint,

Maybe a couple of issues, are you uncertain how the people you care for are going to interact, with you, OR how the external community will interact with them if they perceive you as being 'odd'? Which of course you are not. Or how the external community will react to you?

A few thoughts. In my experience you are invisible. People utterly ignore special people and their carers. I can take my wife in her wheelchair in the hospital I work at and I am not recognised. I walk alone and I'm stopped every 10 meters for a chat with people who know me.

What is odd about wearing nail polish?

I don't because I work in a hospital and it is a hygiene thing.

I wear a (false ) diamond stud in each ear, large feminine ones. I also have one inch gold hoops in each ear.  Yea I look like every other guy in the place . Most woman don't wear my ear rings. Some people look, but lets get real in life. I don't give a damn what other people think.

As a special care worker you are on of the extraordinary people who makes the world work. You are a saint  , I know. Wear your nail polish, wear it with pride, and if any one ever asks, just reply; Cindy said it was ok. Should confuse the crap out of them.

Hugs

You are special thank you for being you.

Cindy

[Devlyn]

Definitely wear it! I wore nail polish to work yesterday, I got a few looks and double takes, but no comments. Hugs, Tracey

[Eva Marie]

You could use a clear nail polish to start with - that way YOU feel in control, and the polish is almost invisible.

[foot_lover_jess]

I have not had my toes UNpainted for years. This includes all weekend in cute sandals.
My fingers match all weekend, if I go out (as male or female) or if I don't, doesn't matter.

This is was I wore while I was out a few weeks ago, and it didn't seem to get too much attention. (Somehow, surprisingly)

Sunday night, I remove the bold color from my fingers and put on a light shimmer, sometimes with a really light color to it.
I replaced that boldness with this. (Um... sorry for the horrible shot, base + 2X base color + shatter + top coat was a pain to get all off!)

See? Cant even see the color in that shot can you? When I'm driving I can easily see it!

Today I have this on, it does seem to stand out a bit more than the other colors, but I just lay my hands out as much.

[saint]

Thank you for all the replies and encouragement (Cindy you brought a tear to my eyes, thank you! )

I did wear my nails (blue!) in the end; I got a few looks but no negative comments - just like in other situations really.  It was a struggle at times and I did not feel comfortable but self acceptance and confidence (in general as well as in terms of gender) is something I am working on.

And I don't feel like i put anyone at risk by my actions.

Cheers! 

[Genevieve Swann]

I wear nail polish most of the time. There have been people who ask if I am gay. I inform them I am not. I'm merely a crossdresser. I think actually the majority of gay men do not wear womens attire.

[foot_lover_jess]

But, I just say, "No, I just like pretty things."

Oh, I like that...
I've never been asked a single time when I'm out, no matter if it's black, blue, pink or shatter.