I am in danger.
Around the world, even here in the "land of the free," people like me are dying too young, too soon, and by the most unfair means. We die by our own hand, and by the hands of those who will take no time to learn that we are more than our gender identity. The more different you are, the more danger you're in. We hear a million things, our struggle akin to that of a young woman being advised against behaviors that "provoke" rape.
These things are supposed to serve as tips to keep us safe, to have people take us seriously. But does it work? Turn on the news, just once a week, you'll see it. Another young, beautiful soul killed, all for identifying as something society tells them not to. From the day we are born, we are color-coded and grouped accordingly, boy or girl. As we grow up, these ideas are constantly reinforced. Young or old, if you dare to challenge this. You are in danger. I am in danger.
I am told:
If you're going to be a boy, you must hide your chest. Don't flaunt your identity, no one cares. Forgive people who misgender you consistently, it's hard for them. Why can't you just be a lesbian? Why aren't you on hormones? Why don't you look like a boy? You look like a girl to me. God makes no mistakes. What's in your pants? How do you have sex? What does your girlfriend think?
I hear:
I don't respect you. I don't respect people like you. You are what I see you as, not what you see yourself as. I am superior to you.
I am more than this
I have, time and time again, came across people in life who seem to only want to talk about one thing — I am trans. And yes, it is a large part of my identity, it has molded a lot of my decisions and many of my life's most profound experiences have came from issues I experienced while living trans. But I promise, it's probably one of the most boring facts about me. Pick up my favorite book, listen to my favorite album and watch my favorite shows, and you will learn a world more about me than you ever will by googling "transman."
I am unashamed
Yes, I know my smile makes me look feminine but I spent too much time not smiling, I have a lot to catch up on. No, I will not stop wearing my salmon pairs of shorts because they look pink. They're literally my favorite. I used to care, and I used to care a lot. But I know who I am, I've always known I guess, but I am no longer ashamed. I am not ashamed to be the short boy in salmon shorts, with rosy cheeks and small hands.
I am in danger.
I am told how should I be trans.
I hear that I am not respected.
I am more than this.
I am unashamed.
But most of all, I am unafraid
The odds are not the best, I will admit. But I refuse, absolutely refuse, to back to down. I will not be told how to be trans, I won't waiver to those who do not respect me, and I will not be ashamed that I am not some people's traditional view of what a boy is supposed to be. I have dealt with adversity, and I will continue to until the world changes — if and when it ever does. I won't be stopped from educating others, opening people's eyes, and living as myself. I don't care if you're offended, it is not my problem if you refuse to educate yourself or listen to others who try.
I am here.
I am trans.
I will not be stopped.
