I’m a Straight, Happily Married Man Who Loves Wearing Skirts and High Heels Every Day

High heels were originally created for men, with their use dating back to the 10th century, according to historians. In recent times, some men have embraced high heels once again, with the trend even making its way into pop culture. One notable example is Mark Bryan, a 63-year-old engineer from Germany, who has made a bold statement by wearing high heels paired with skirts to his office and as part of his everyday wardrobe. His unique style encourages others to break free from stereotypes and embrace the freedom to wear whatever they feel comfortable in.

For this man, heels and skirts are more than just fashion statements

Mark Bryan, a robotics engineer and father of three, may seem like an ordinary man at first glance, balancing his work and family responsibilities. However, recently, he has sparked a wave of attention online, amassing a following of about 580,000 on Instagram by showcasing his extraordinary style — far from the typical "dad" wardrobe.

He started to radically change his wardrobe habits 8 years ago. His daily outfits now consist of red pumps, plaid miniskirts, and suede boots, which Bryan combines with midi and mini pencil skirts. While sharing his daily looks, he speaks out about how his clothing preferences are just as normal as anything else that he does.

His outfits empower him and boost his confidence.

He prefers skirts over dresses because, as he explains, skirts give him the freedom to blend masculine looks above the waist with more neutral, gender-fluid styles below the waist. For him, clothing has no gender. He believes that traditional "male" trousers offer limited outfit options, whereas skirts offer a vast array of colors and styles, allowing him to express himself in ways that make him feel good and confident in his appearance.

His wife and kids fully support his views and mission.

When he first spoke to his children about his outfits, he tried to explain to them that there's nothing sexual in his way of building up his daily wardrobe and that it's not about their dad being gay. His daughter is now one of his most devoted fans and she dreams of being able to borrow some pairs of her dad's shoes.

His wife has always been supportive, even helping him select his outfits. According to him, his current style is inspired by Meghan Markle's character, Rachel, from Suits, reflecting a blend of elegance and confidence.

Mark has quickly learned how to navigate the public's reactions.

Mark has faced a lot of harsh comments and negativity regarding his fashion experiments. However, many men at work and in public have shared that Mark is just a regular guy — someone who can engage in a straightforward, masculine conversation and carry himself with confidence. When asked about his sexuality, he responds by asking if people would be as curious if he wore pants instead. While these questions can sometimes test his patience, Mark acknowledges that, in the end, people around him don't really care much about others' outfits.

Another individual challenging stereotypes and defying societal expectations is body-positive queer model Ady Del Valle. He breaks the stigma surrounding plus-size bodies by confidently posing in one-piece swimsuits and bikinis, advocating for body acceptance and self-expression.