As we age, we grow and change.

As a society, we must accept that others grow in different ways.

To my friend, Justinee, I have watched you grow into a woman. I mean that very literally because when we met fifteen years ago, you were Justin. People have tormented you for the growth that you have made. Some have treated you as a novelty because you stray from the societal norm.

Years ago, I had someone ask me a very dumb question, "Aren't you afraid that if you hang out with a trans person that other people will think you are a man too?" I responded, "No, I am not a man and neither is Justinee. I'm biologically female and she is a transwoman." This bothered me because, in this instance, being transgender was used as an insult.

Justinee, people have used your gender as an insult, but you made it clear that it's nothing to be insulted by.

You are an open book. You stopped denying that you transitioned and you chose to embrace it. You have felt out of place in this judgmental world sometimes, but you must remember that it's your world just as much as anyone else's. I have watched you endure harassment, I have seen you afraid, but more importantly, I've watched you defend yourself.

Since you were a small child, you have always been outspoken and there is a certain beauty to that. You are always willing to inform people about life as a transgender female and because of that, you have helped me understand.

I've watched you struggle with your body when we were younger. You felt out of place and uncomfortable in social situations. I watched someone tell you that you couldn't use the bathroom. Why? Because you chose to be yourself.

Years later, you are always dressed well, you walk with confidence, and no one would think twice to tell you what bathroom to use. Finding clothes that make you feel beautiful used to be such a struggle, but now that is the furthest thing from the truth.

You helped me to stop seeing gender as something so concrete. At the end of the day, it does not matter what your biological sex is. What matters is how you see yourself and how you treat the people around you. You, Justinee, accepted me as an eccentric person and in turn you taught me to accept others.

You are not a "drag queen," a "cross-dresser," or confused, you are a woman. You have been catcalled, sexually harassed, called vile words, and so much more. After everything you have faced, you're still not afraid to be exactly who you are. Justinee, you are not "trapped in the wrong body;" your body does not define your mind. You taught me how to accept myself and others and I cannot thank you enough.

Although you have referred to yourself as "The Trans friend", but I do not see you that way. I see you as my lifetime friend, a mentor, and a free spirit. You're the furthest thing from confused because you know exactly who you are. The only people who are confused are the people that have to question the way you live your life.

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