I use my cane when I go to concerts it helps me, people are less likely to excitedly bash me in the head if the venue allows alcohol and I have the cane as a barrier from others if I get jostled a bit plus most people are kind enough to allow me to the front of the stage so I can actually see some of the show (I’m very nearsighted). You’re not getting special treatment you’re getting an equal playing field and staying safe.

Go ahead and use your cane.
The more you use it, the better you’ll get good at it.

What are you embarrassed about? It’s not your fault you have a visual impairment. Don’t feel embarrassed because you should never be embarrassed about who you are as an individual. Rock your cane and more importantly have fun!!

I had a buddy that never wanted to use his cane when we went out , but after almost getting into a few fights for slamming into people and knocking their drinks out of their hands he at least carries it around now.

Don't know where you live but here people treat you better if you use a cane. For example, if you run into someone accidentally without a cane, people will ask why you aren't using a cane, and if something happens, they'll blame you, not the other person. But if you use a cane, everything becomes easier, crossing the street becomes easier, people don't judge you for bumping into them, they don't blame you if an accident happens. But of course, there are exceptions to everything.

About not liking how you look, ask yourself which is more embarrassing, a 17 year old who's holding their parents hands? or someone using a cane and walking independently and asking for help from strangers whenever they need it?

If you think you look ugly because of a cane, your eyes should have much more contribution to that than your cane, because no matter what, if you are blind you don't look at places or things, so your eyes aren't like normal people, but when you use a cane, you look like a blind, independent person. Isn't that like, cool af?

Use your cane. Be safe rather than sorry. Everyone else can go take a hike. Don’t worry about what they think. It’s not special treatment it’s equity and equality and it’ll help prevent people from being assholes and treating you like a bad of potatos

I think it’s normal to feel awkward anytime you begin using something that you’re not use to using. I felt that way also, now I feel awkward without it.
I also found out I was sending out unintended nonverbal messages to people that didn’t know I was VI. The lady at the grocery store thought I was a snob because ever time I came in the store with my wife, she would wave and I would just walk right by her. Now she just laughs and says hello and calls me by name. I just smile and wave back at her.
I named my cane “Turbo”, now all my family and friends call him by name. It’s like having a dog that you don’t have to feed!
Be safe and enjoy the concert.

I am thinking of getting one, but I want to attach a light saber to it.

Hey OP.

I felt the same as you not that long ago. I'm 34 and lost my vision two years ago. I went on a trip by myself for the first time last week, and it was the first time I used my ID cane. I'm extremely glad I did. As many others have said, you're normal to have these feelings. I guarantee you that once you start using it you'll feel weird going out anywhere without it.


Good luck and have fun!

You shall use it, you have been choosen and the cane will bring you better days.
It's not fun to be diffrent, but thats the reality and trust me, it will do you good!


But i must warn you, when you put your hands up in the air at the concert, remember to fold it together before some one else looses an eye or get hit in the head ;-)

I recently attended a performance of Wicked and it was my first time using my cane in a crowd. It was only my second time being in a crowd since my vision went during the pandemic. It was great. I tapped it across the floor and the human sea of people parted so I was able to get around without knocking into anyone. Also, event security doesn’t see you as a threat so even though I had to open my bag, the person didn’t really check it and I was through in a jiffy. Also, no tripping across the myriad of electrical cords taped across the floor and embarrassing the heck out of myself. Ushers immediately asked if I needed help finding my seat-which I totally would have if not for my sighted wife. Some people stare, but I’d much rather them stare at me for using my cane than stare at me for tripping or jostle me for not moving as fast as they’d like.

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Check this out, maybe this will give you some confidence

https://youtube.com/shorts/-TMkcSI9X58?feature=share