Growing up, it was easy to follow your lead. Easy to get along with you. You were my hero, but as time went on, I realized you weren't all that my young mind had envisioned you to be. I saw you as a man who could do no wrong, one who knew everything, understood everything. While I see that I had been telling myself lies because that is what children do, I ask you now to just bare with me as I try to make you understand.

My generation is complicated at best and difficult at worst. We're stubborn, but also exceptionally understanding of what it is we have to go through. We're more open than our previous generations to things like the LGBT+ community. While we might not know everything, we sure know what a strong community looks like. We also might be attached to our electronics, but as time goes on, I notice that you do too and have no right to claim that we have a problem when you check your phone more than I do.

I know you love me. I know that you care. You just don't understand what it is to be a young adult anymore. I work full time, am a full time student, and am also trans. When I came out to you, you told me that it was just a phase, that cosplay was the reason that I didn't want to be a girl. I tried explaining what transgender meant to you, and claimed that it was the same as transvestite. Dad, you have no idea how much those words hurt me. Just a phase?

My friends understand what I'm going through better than you do, even though none of them have gone through it. I'm a trans-male dad. I'm also pansexual. While these terms might not be familiar to you, it doesn't make it any less of what I am. I'm still your amazing first born. My personality hasn't changed. Nor has my attitude about bullies and doing what's right. I've simply grown up.

Isn't that all that you wanted for me? To grow up, grow into this big world. Make a name for myself? I plan to be a teacher to teach the youth of this country things that you've taught me. So while I might not be who you wanted, your perfect little girl, just know that I love you. Even if sometimes it doesn't feel like you love me.