Tamarah Kay

My challenge is uncomfortable for me because...

In loving memory of my uncle, Troy. Lost too soon and too young due to being forced to live on the streets. 

For Ned’s Uncomfortable Challenge, I’ve chosen to go without shoes 24/7. At first glance, it might seem simple but the reality is, there’s a deep stigma attached to being barefoot in public. People are quick to form opinions about you, your cleanliness, your choices, and even your worth based on something as small as footwear.

I want to use this discomfort to start a bigger conversation about homelessness and displacement. Too often, those without stable housing are judged and devalued because of their appearance or possessions. Clothing and footwear can be a huge obstacle for obtaining work, commuting and health and safety. 

By stepping into this space of discomfort, my goal is to challenge those perceptions and remind us all that a person’s worth is never defined by what they wear, but by who they are.