We need to talk about how the standard "it gets better" message assumes a level of physical and executive function that isn't universal. It’s a narrative built for the able-bodied and neurotypical, and it leaves the most vulnerable behind.
The narrative assumes everyone can simply "move out" or "gain financial independence" the moment they hit adulthood. It ignores those of us who, due to disabilities, cannot live alone. For many of us, dependence on our caregivers is a lifelong reality. If your caregivers are the ones you rely on for housing and basic survival, you can't just "cut ties" to escape queerphobia or controlling behavior.
The advice to "just start transitioning" assumes you can manage your own medical appointments and/or have an IRL support network that isn't the phobic caregivers you live with. Once again, this isn't universal.
We need to support queer people who will always need help, and whose "freedom" looks different than a U-Haul and a clean break.
