I remember having my things packed and ready to be kicked out, a solid plan in mind should it happen. I remember standing outside the master bathroom door, feeling vomit crawling up my throat and a cold sweat prickling at my neck. I remember considering just forgetting it all, considering just accepting that this was something wrong with me, and maybe someday it would go away. But I stepped forward and did it. I told my mother that something went wrong, that I wasn't supposed to be this awkward, slouching, suicidal girl. That I was meant for more, and I deserved more. I deserved a freedom that so many are fortunate to be born with. I knew the risks and what the future may have held. I knew that people like me were, and still are, a minority that's chastised and discriminated against. That we're the object of parody for some and fear for others. I was told by some that my decision was selfish, and I told them that this was the first damn thing I've ever done for MYSELF in my life. But what I didn't realize is just how many people would rally around me, would tell me how much I inspire them and how much they look up to me. I didn't realize how close I would become with some people. And at the end of the day, it had me wondering; How selfish could I be? This is for the little boy who wants to wear girl clothes and doesn't know why. This is for the teenage girl who wants her hair cut short but is shut down because she'll "look like a boy". This is for the teenage boy being spat on by his classmates for wearing makeup. This is for the woman in church, listening to the preacher indirectly shaming her for loving the woman next to her, holding her hand. You are valid. You aren't broken. And I hope that one day, you won't have to hide anymore. #nationalcomingoutday
