Gender norms are the basis for our society. It's how we, as human beings, have made the world work. Certain sports and occupations that society has collectively determined to be aimed at a particular gender: this is what I would like to discuss in our next few minutes together.

I am a Cheerleader at Allegheny College, among other activities and occupations that I pursue at present. And I can truthfully say that it is one of the best investments I have made with my time, energy, and efforts, which is something the two other men (one being a dear Fraternity brother of mine) whom I performed with last year would also say. Now, to some of you, this may lead you to automatically think, "Well this guy is just trying to find a way to hang around with girls and get laid." To this, I will politely tell you to go sit in a corner with a dunce cap, emblazoned with the words "Chauvinist Pig." It is no different from dance, ballet, or figure skating.

Now that we have that discussion out of the way...

Cheerleading at the collegiate level has offered me the opportunity to foster friendships and relationships that revolve around a mutual enjoyment of athleticism, choreography, and excitement in supporting others in the face of adversity in other athletic endeavors that isn't purely for competitive value with other colleges and universities. If nothing else, it's just flat-out cool to throw someone into the air, to then do a back flip or hold a picturesque arabesque, and then catch them below without dropping and harming them. THAT is teamwork, trust, commitment.

It has helped me to appreciate and alter my view of other activities that might have a gender bias or predisposition to a certain sex or orientation.

I can comfortably say that I was, at one point in time, as biased about dance, cheer, skating, gymnastics, etc. And that's okay. It's how society has conditioned us to think. And having this alteration of perspective has been instrumental in my development as a member of the 21st-century, my cultivation as a man and the impression that I will leave once I leave God's green Earth. In high school, I was captain of my varsity Riflery team for three years, and I was rather good at it, if I might brag a little. I could do 30 pull-ups and 60 push-ups in a minute. These days, I can throw a girls in the air and hold her for a minute comfortably, dance to fast routines, and do Indian Runs while chanting hoots and hollers of encouragement for my squad after having not run since junior year of high school (four years ago as of present).

The camaraderie founded in cheerleading has led me to approach more of my endeavors with a sense of teamwork and drive to perform and show well.

The increased level of personal comfort of my own skin that I have found in Cheer has given me greater positive imagery of myself and the positive qualities of others. For that, I am truly blessed.