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I'm a pretty open-minded fellow. Extremely open-minded, I might say. I've studied countless philosophies, ideas, theories and religions and respect them all (well, most of them). And I've enjoyed a wide range of experiences. I've delivered pizza late at night in scary neighborhoods, and dined with millionaires in Manhattan. I've played a trombone in dive bars while wearing a dress, and been dragged around downtown in a gimp outfit. I've eaten all kinds of foods, read all kinds of books, enjoyed all sorts of entertainment, traveled around the world, and spent time with many different kinds of people. I've even done a few things I probably shouldn't mention.

But until today, I couldn't wear a pink shirt!

In the photo, below, you’ll see the pink T-shirts CAWOOD designed to promote the 2010 Komen Eugene Race for the Cure, which supports breast cancer research and awareness. My co-worker, Paul, has worn his at the office a few times – and I have to admit, the idea of wearing one made me uneasy.

The male stereotype has conditioned me to avoid all things pink, and I'm afraid I put my foot in my mouth and insulted Paul earlier today:

Me: "So why did you wear that shirt today?"

Paul: "Oh, no real reason – it's casual Friday."

Me: "I would never wear one of those."

Paul: [stares at me]

Me: "It, uh, looks good on you though..."

Oops... too late. There was awkward silence in the room after this, and I felt bad because Paul is a great guy, who is supporting a worthy cause. I found out later his mother is a breast cancer survivor.

But this really got me thinking about my prejudice toward pink shirts. My logic tells me it's just a color, but my emotions tell me it is not masculine and I should not wear one in public. (And I'm not the only one who feels this way – when taking the photo, a woman approached us laughing and asking why we were wearing pink shirts!)

So I've decided to break my silly conditioning, get a pink shirt, and wear it!

I even paid money for it!

That's me on the left, and Paul on the right.

The true test... will I wear it tonight when I'm lifting weights at the gym, surrounded by all those macho guys and gals?