At Supportstore, our team is always touched by the stories you send in. This one stood out as a unique way to bring awareness to sexual assault using the teal embroidered ribbon stick-ons.

“I own 6 pairs of cowboy boots with a 17-inch shaft. I prefer to wear boots with my pants tucked into the boots. I admit that I have a feminine way of how I like to wear cowboy boots. It’s not a common fashion trend for men to wear boots this way, but someone told me that there are no rules against this. Some of my boots have Teal Ribbons on the straps. I was inspired by a photo of country singer Pam Tillis wearing black boots with hearts on them. When I look at that photo, I see myself. She appears to be holding her head down with a sad look on her face like she’s feeling weak and vulnerable.

For a long time I have felt weak and vulnerable even though someone told me if we’re not vulnerable, we can’t feel anything. That led me to have a pair of custom boots made with hearts on them and 10-31-92 in teal on the straps. On October 31st, 1992, I was homosexually raped. I want my boots not only to show awareness of sexual assault but also to say that I’m a survivor, not a victim. I recently did The Walk A Mile In Her Shoes in a pair of my boots with the teal ribbons. I plan on doing more teal ribbon events in the future. I commend your organization. Thank you for letting me share this.“

Sharing your story is not easy, and we are honored to supply you with items that make it a little bit easier. We hope this story inspires you to get creative and be bold in awareness to your cause.