I just NEED someone to understand!

Hello f.e., I’m really proud of you for reaching out, because that takes more strength than you might give yourself credit for. I really want you to know that you are NOT alone, at all, with what you’re experiencing, and that there are SO many people in this world who’ve had similar experiences. You might think you’re really different in the environment you’re in now, but I absolutely promise you that there are millions of people in this world who have felt the same way, and who found their way to others like them. It’s so completely okay to be *whoever* you are, and what a beautiful thing that we’re all not alike! I also was not like the other girls when I was growing up, and I am SO thankful for that now, because I love the things that make me unique. I know it can be hard to celebrate the things that make you unique when you’re in certain environments where gender-normative behavior is kind of mandated by the structures around us, but there are places, many places in this world where that is NOT at all the way things are.

The world is not divided up into “boys” and “girls,” at least not truly. People can try to say things are that way, but they’re just not. Gender can be as complex or varied as any other aspect of a person. There’s a beautiful spectrum, and the more you learn to celebrate your own unique place on that spectrum, the less power all the pressure around you has over you. But please don’t think you have to do this all by yourself. Everyone needs others to help reflect back their light, worth and beauty, especially when we’re younger and don’t have as many choices about where or with whom we get to spend our time.

Please consider going here: http://www.thetrevorproject.org
It’s a resource place for all kinds of people who might not be just like what they think everyone else is like, and who are experiencing pressure to fit some sort of norm. It’s especially for people who may have a gender identity or orientation that the culture around them is prejudiced against. There are so many resources out there, but this is a good starting place.

I really really hope you reach out to others who are in the same boat as you. I promise we’re out here. Oh, also, there’s this resource too, which might encourage you: http://www.itgetsbetter.org

Big, huge hugs to you. Please know I accept you absolutely completely just the way you are, and care about you. Please reach out more, because a life of joy can be yours, surrounded by people who support you and love you and don’t want to change the things that make you the beautiful, unique soul that you are.