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Growing up, not having myears piercedoften left me feeling like the odd one out.
PhotoAlto/Ale Ventura
In Puerto Rican culture, many parents pierce their children’s ears shortly after they’re born.
It was often a rite of passage, and being without my own pair seemed to confuse some people.
Pink doesn’t always signify femininity, nor does blue signify masculinity and anyone can pierce their ears.
The process was done gradually, beginning with a small tear.
Those who participated were expected to go through it without showing fear.
Today, this practice is less widely performed in Kenya, usually only by the Maasai people.
It became my own rite of passage that included my mother, grandma, and best friend.
Most folks I spoke with said they wanted to allow their child to make that call when theyre older.
This is at least partially because our ideas about gender are changing.
As gender becomes more commonly recognized as fluid, the rules and expectations around gender expression change.
Pink doesn’t always signify femininity, nor does blue signify masculinity and anyone can pierce their ears.
Like Lastarria, many folks use piercings as a form of self-expression, regardless of gender.
But just because something doesnt cause irreversible trauma doesnt mean it should continue as usual, free of scrutiny.
The decision around piercing a young child’s ears remains complicated and personal.
