Jasper Simons, 27, has made quite the impression at the gym where they work. They regularly show up wearing a comically large top hat, a tuxedo and, of course, a cane to match. “At my previous job, whenever I was having a day where I needed to use my cane, I was overwhelmed with questions about what happened — and the occasional pitiful look,” Simons tells the Squeaky Wheel. “Now, I’ve just kind of made it part of my brand. I get asked more questions when I don’t have it with me. It really completes the ensemble.”
“We support everyone’s right to express themselves,” says manager Jane Greeson. “Jasper is allowed to wear whatever they want as long as it doesn’t impede their ability to do their job. I personally wouldn’t wear a tuxedo to the gym every day, but the weight benches are wiped down and the toilets are cleaned, so I don’t have any complaints.”
“Jasper is an inspiration,” says Steven Trosper, who works at the front desk. “They show up to work every day looking their best and, I can only assume, feeling their best. They say dress for the job you want, not for the job you have, and I assume Jasper wants to be the dancing frog that sings ‘hello my baby, hello my honey, hello my ragtime gal.’ I really hope one day they can achieve their dream.”