I just changed my avatar for two reasons. 1) While avatars can be expressions of ourselves, they can also serve as masks, hiding ourselves. As I have said a couple of times, I didn't come out of the closet to go back into one. So, instead of hiding in a closet of sorts, I decided to show myself. 2) I wanted to put my money where my mouth is. In conversations, I have encouraged other individuals to step outside their comfort zones. In the same breath, I talked about how I didn't think that I was photogenic. So in the interest of some sort of body positivity or something, I decided to do what I encouraged others to do.
I hadn't seen the post at first, but had noticed the OP had a photo which isn't too common. You take a great pic, who is the mascot you're with? That is very cool of you and huge props to you!
Honestly, I don't think I've ever publicly uploaded a single photo of myself online in my entire life. For me with my specific anxieties, you're like the bravest person ever right now. Not that there's any actual reason to be anxious =P but I really admire you just being out there as yourself, as cheesy as that sounds.
