Comment by rj, Co-founder on July 29, 2008 at 10:21pm

I have an alopecic and adorable fiancée who decided many years ago to keep her head shaved. As a non-alopecian, however, I've observed over the years that toleration movements like multiculturalism, egalitarian movements like feminism, relatively new sociopolitical movements like anti-lookism, and even philosophical movements like relativism and postmodernism have made life a lot easier for many people who are "different," including alopecic and bald women. In other words, while our world is still far too intolerant, the situation has improved enough that neither female nor male baldness has quite the stigma attached to it that it once had. As you know all too well, life isn't perfect, but the human species seems to be making some much-need progress. I’m glad yours is the privilege of experiencing a little of this goodness. :-)

Comment by Joanne on July 30, 2008 at 12:29am

Bigmama - I was really thinning in a phase of alopecia with a lot of loss. I began wearing hats and scarfs and talked to a supervisor and coworkers and got exceptional support at work. I work in healthcare but wanted my coworkers and supervisor and her peers to know I had alopecia and wasn't dealing with cancer since I have a few coworkers who are bald due to chemotherapy. I got the same support you described an appreciation for sharing and similar comments - deal with it as you need to. Felt a lot of acceptance. My department was also exceptionally supportive. Then I broke my patella and started some regrowth and now that I'm off of crutches and walking pretty normally am getting incredible support from hospital peers. Do find that openness helps grow acceptance. I do appreciate the sharing of your photo. I happen to have a bit more regrowth right now but seeing others in different phases of this disease helps me appreciate this time in life and be more ready to accept possible future scenarios. Also helps me wish I'd taken some more photos when I had more losses earlier. Thanks for sharing your story and your current photos.

Comment by Lori D. on July 30, 2008 at 8:06am

Good for you! I'm so glad that went well for you. It's nice when we find that what we may worry about is so much larger in our own minds than in those around us.

Comment by Mandy on July 30, 2008 at 10:22am

Hooray! I'm so glad you got it off your chest. Now you can be comfortable at work and not worry! And bravo for posting a pic! ;o)

Comment by Linda on July 30, 2008 at 11:36pm

Hi BigMama, I looooovvvvveeee that name! Good for you, "coming out" is so positive and will make you feel great! I recently shaved my head, I have AA and was tired of the wigs, weaves and hairpieces. I blogged about it, check out "Independence Day" and "Bald is Bliss". I love my new found freedom. I didn't pre-warn my coworkers, only my family and close friends, imagine the looks I received when I walked into work. I walked into work in all my "glory", cool and confident, smiling as passerbys stared, gawked or winked, gave thumbs up or complimented my new look. I am a member of a national committee for my agency, I took a big leap and posted my picture on the national website seen by employees in every state across the country. I love my new look, being bald is truly bliss!

Comment by Dominique on July 31, 2008 at 6:45pm

Go you!!! I'm sure that took alot of bravery on your part, and as Lori D. said - it's usually bigger in our minds than in those of our co-workers.
*hugs* Good luck with the shave and enjoy the freedom of your new look. :c)

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