"Trans Experience"
Being trans is like Walking the aisle between the men's and women's sections in Walmart
It's the stares you get from both sides because you don't look quite right Not man enough, not woman enough, not enough
You're just trying to get to the fabric section But even then the stares linger beyond the clothing aisles
Being trans is like Using the family restroom in a Kroger You do your business but people stare nonetheless Knowing you aren't quite right
You just needed a moment to yourself A second of calm before you finish your shopping Even if the fact you're not passing is causing you to panic
But they must stare Because "being not quite right" is a circus show to gawk at
Being trans is like constantly sitting in-between two lines, there isn't supposed to be a middle section And if there is it isn't open to you The expectation to be a man-turned-woman Or a woman turned man makes being something in-between impossible
Because it's not being anything It's experiencing the trans experience which is more diverse than even the community can see Much more than one or the other or both
Mankind's ability to fluctuate continuously and still attempt to thrive anywhere doesn't stop at the environment Doesn't stop at social expectations And doesn't stop at the limitations put on open-minded ideals
The trans experience can't be put into a few stanzas of wisely chosen words and emotional undertaking for it is an experience singular and original to each their own
There is only hope that one day We can walk into a store And the stares won't follow And we can shop in peace knowing we belong