To the kids kicked out for being LGBTQ+, I hear you. It's a difficult thing, coming out, especially when the people supposed to love and support you turn their backs on your struggles and kick you out. It hurts what people make fun of your sexuality or your gender or your lack thereof, and I know. It’s one of the worst pains you will ever feel, and I know it doesn't feel like it now but someday that pain will turn to strength. You will get through this. You will heal from this.

To the kids kicked out for being LGBTQ+, I know this is a scary time of year. The holidays preach about family and love, and many people forget that some don't have that. I know this time of year hurts and probably feels like a shard of glass in your heart, but I promise, it will pass. The holidays will end and the reminder that your family isn't there will fade. In the meantime, there are people who love you. Friends can do wonders to make you feel loved, and sometimes the people you choose to associate with become closer family than blood. You are not alone. You are loved.

To the kids kicked out for being LGBTQ+, I know that this society can be hard. A lot of cultures praise anyone who is straight and cis, and it can be hard to identify with people when they try so hard to act like you don't exist. It can be hard to feel welcomed when there are very few celebrities who look or act or think like you. Not only that, but this society puts an emphasis on family, and you are thought to be despicable if you hate your family. It's okay if you do. Just because you are bound to someone by blood doesn't mean that they haven't hurt you. You are allowed to hate the people who are toxic for you. You are allowed to want more for yourself.

To the kids kicked out for being LGBTQ+, I know things are difficult. Crimes against your community are horrific and happen more often. A transgender person has a 1 in 12 chance of being murdered. A cisgender person has a 1 in 18,989 chance of being murdered. It can be terrifying to watch the news and know that your brethren are getting hurt or killed for the same things. People are stupid and judgmental and horribly homophobic and transphobic. Sometimes it can feel like there's nothing you can do that will help. You are not to be blamed. You are not worth less than they are.

To the kids kicked out for being LGBTQ+, hiding who you are won't change anything. After something as traumatizing as being kicked out for who you are, you may not feel comfortable telling others about you. Hiding yourself won't help, and it'll only hurt you more. Dysphoria and internalized homophobia are ugly things. You are not broken. You are not something that needs to be fixed.

To the kids kicked out for being LGBTQ+, you are strong. You are loved. You are beautiful. You are amazing. You will figure out a way to beat this.

To the kids kicked out for being LGBTQ+, your fight is not over yet.