The Daily Camera frequently covers information about the Bolder Boulder. On April 10, I received an e-mail from Bolder Boulder announcing that the first 100 registrants at the Bolder Boulder store would receive a free “Sea Level is for Sissies” T-shirt. I find this T-shirt hurtful to people of all genders.

People say “you’re a sissy” to put them down. The word is used to put down traits that are problematically and stereotypically associated with women. Traits that all genders have but are not valued because they are associated with women.

I am a women who runs, rock climbs and performs well athletically. I also have the traits associated with someone who is called a sissy. I cry, I get hurt and I express my emotions. If this is what a sissy is, I am proud to be a sissy and would never wear a T-shirt that does not value these traits in all genders.

It is hurtful to everyone to promote the belief that we should all strive to have traits that are stereotypically associated with men. All genders express emotions and they should be embraced when they do.

I am a strong, tough female, who is athletic, ran a marathon and the Bolder Boulder twice. I was planning on running it this year and I am questioning if I want to support an event that supports this T-shirt year after year.

It is time to retire it. Well intentioned people use hurtful expressions without understanding what they are saying. So when adults and children say, “That’s so gay,” “You’re a sissy,” “That’s retarded” we can shed light on what is really being said.

Debbie Ramirez

Boulder