Today news broke that the Trump administration rescinded protections for transgender students. This is an open letter to those students:
I was you once. I was different from most everyone else in a lot of ways. I stuck out when I wanted to fit in. I was lonely. It was hard. And I’m sure you’ve felt like no one gets you – how could they? But they do. We do. So many of us transgender adults have been in your shoes and we love you even though we don’t know you.
The Trump administration has been pretty scary for us. We’ve anxiously waited as rumors spread that they were going to take this and that from us. And here we are and it fuckin’ hurts. But remember, you are who you say you are. You are whatever gender you identify as and you are valid. You hear? You are valid. You are real. No matter the bathroom you go to, the clothes you wear, these things do not make you – you do. You create yourself everyday and you are who you say you are.
I want you to know that so many of us are fighting for you. There are lawyers, teachers, principals, writers, actors, politicians actively fighting for you at this very moment. If you live in a small town (like I did growing up), this news may seem like proof that yet again the world is full of people that don’t want us around. Trust me, it’s not true. I’ve been in that small town with those small minds and I remember. There are people in that town and in this world that understand and celebrate all forms of gender. Yes, there will always be bigots and bullies but they can never take away who you are. They can never take your validity as a person.
This is going to be a tough time and maybe it has been for awhile but don’t give up. Find people that celebrate you and surround yourself with them. Find adults who you can trust. Please know there are many of us cheering you on. We love you and this fight isn’t over. Do not give up. Reach out.
Call the Trans Lifeline if you need to talk 877-565-8860.
I love you,
Leo
Please go to the Lambda Legal website if you are a student and need legal help.
