Photographer Kitty Wolf loves how all of the Disney princesses can capture the heart and imaginations of children. For years, she has helped make wishes come true for Disney princess fans. First, she portrayed these regal ladies for parties. Then, she owned Princesscapades Princess Parties so she could help plan these amazing parties for children who couldn’t wait to meet Cinderella, Belle or Princess Aurora.
However, as she worked on making these princess dreams comes true, she noticed something that upset her. Little boys were being left out of the fun.
“During my time as a princess performer, company owner, and preschool assistant, I have seen boys being told that princesses are ‘just for girls’ or that liking princess and especially dressing as one somehow makes them weak, inferior or not boys. They’re told it’s not manly, or macho, or normal. This leads boys to feel ashamed of their interests, confused, sad, and lonely.” Wolf said on her website. “I simply feel that a child’s imagination should not be limited by their gender.”
Wolf knew she had to do something about it. So, the Chicago photographer decided to launch a project to level the pretend playing field, so to speak. Her “Boys Can Be Princesses Too!” project features boys who love princesses and gives them a chance to not only dress up as their favorite princess but to have their picture taken with her, as well.
Here’s a post from the project’s Facebook page from early 2019, when it was founded, indicating that the page was taking off and attracting plenty of interest:
The mission for the Boys Can Be Princesses Too project is simple: “Because no child should feel ashamed of the things that bring them joy.”
The photos included in this series clearly showcase the joy these children feel through embracing the power of their favorite princesses.
Thirteen-year-old Liam agreed to be part of this stereotype-breaking project “specifically to be an ally to boys that like to dress up as princesses,” according to the project’s Facebook page. “He thinks it’s important that everyone should feel comfortable being who they are.” He teamed up with Mulan in true warrior style.
Kai was so excited to meet Princess Moana that he jumped for joy!
Everett thinks that Belle from “Beauty and the Beast” is the best princess. In this picture, you can definitely see his excitement in meeting her!
Everett’s mom embraced her son’s happiness and shared her thoughts on what others may think about his choice.
“I think people are often scared about what other people will think,” she said on the project’s website. “But when you get right down to it, you’d rather your kids be happy than random strangers be happy.”
To learn more about the Boys Can Be Princesses Too project, visit the official website and Facebook page. Participants aren’t needed any longer, but you can view the photo galleries and find other ways to get involved with the project, too.
This story originally appeared on Simplemost. Checkout Simplemost for additional stories.
