One of my very close friends has decided to start transitioning from a more feminine physique to a more masculine physique. My friend doesn't believe in labels but if they had to identify they would identify as non-binary. Hearing my friend's story made me realize how far we need to come as a society to better help, support and love this community.
However, I know many other people within the LGBTQ+ community that prefers to be called different pronouns and believe they are a different gender than they originally were from birth. From a bisexual man who identifies as a cis male. I can't imagine the struggle of having a different body then who you know you are inside. It is something I can not personally relate it, but I can empathize with it.
It saddens me the number of people who discriminate against trans, non conforming, non-binary, and other people who merely just crossdress. People need to have love and support for who they are. People who can not relate to people who identify differently than themselves should be respectful and loving toward their decision.
I personally can't imagine how difficult it must be to identify as something you were not born with. The fact that this group of people receives backlash due to being themselves makes me question humanity. These people need to receive the same equal protections, equal rights, and support as any other person.
As a society, we need to press forward and help the trans community be their best authentic self. I can speak on the behalf that the people who I have met that have identified as a different gender than they are born with, have been amazing people. They deserve all the respect, love, and support in the world. No one should feel ashamed of who they are. So instead of hating on something you don't understand, try loving and listening. You may be surprised by the friends you never knew you would make if you hadn't.
