13 Empowering Photos Show There’s No ‘Right’ Way To Be A Boy

McGoey told The Huffington Post she drew inspiration for the project from her sons, who are 5, 8, and 11 years old. “I was inspired by movements that spoke to girls being awesome at things that were traditionally ‘boy’ because I was that tomboy girl growing up (still am),” she said, adding, “But that was not my story — my life was being a mom to boys, and I always think the best art, the best messaging comes from people who live it.”

The photographer’s middle son in particular provided inspiration. “He never walked; he skipped and twirled, danced through his day,” she said, noting that some of his favorite activities are singing, acting, ballet and tap-dancing. “He loves sparkles, pink, rainbows, reading, and has never been concerned if something was ‘boy’ or ‘girl,'” the mom added.

#ABoyCanToo aims to empower kids who dare embrace their true passions, even in the face of gender bias and bullying. McGoey started the project by photographing her own sons and then reached out to friends, acquaintances, past clients and even strangers on social media. To date, she has photographed 17 boys pursuing interests ranging from dancing to reading to figure skating.