elierlick:

The best glowup pictures are always of trans folks. I see photos of sad kid after sad kid contrasted with happy (openly trans) adults who were allowed to transition. The contrast should make a statement to parents, family, and community members: supporting trans people is always the right thing to do. Listen to your child, your friend, or your neighbor and respect their identity. Had I been allowed to transition when I wanted to, I would have had a much safer childhood without the violence I experienced due to my identity. In the small town I grew up in, I would still have no choice but to be openly trans. However, I would have been better able to defend myself, knowing at least some people were there to support me. By denying my identity, my rural community told me I had no one. Now that I’m always around other trans people, I know this experience of isolation isn’t uncommon and we will always be stronger when we are supported by others.