My whole life, I've grown up learning and hearing about the LGBTQ community. I had friends with lesbian parents, I had teachers with short hair cuts that were a little rough around the edges, but most importantly--I'm standing by my transgender best friend, Dakota, while he's transitioning into the beautiful woman he soon will be. It's a beautiful, yet heart-wrenching process. I've been with him while he has his makeup all done and he's as happy as ever--and I've also been with him while he's crying because of rude comments at work or school. Being with Dakota through all of this has really made me think, so this is my way to reach out to all of you.

Dear LGBTQ Community,

I'm not LGBTQ, but I stand by you. I see your pain, and also your pride. I see your struggles, and I see your smile. I'm not LGBTQ, but I understand, and I'm here for you.

I'm writing this letter to you because I feel as though all light shed on the LGBTQ community is negative. Even on the beautiful day where gay marriage was announced legal, I got on Facebook to see, "What has this country come to?" or "I can't believe two men can get married." Honestly, I don't understand how someone could think that way. So, this letter is written in hopes that someone reads it, and changes their opinion on the subject. Like seriously, it's 2016. Recreational marijuana is legal in 4 states, medical marijuana is legal in 24, Brock Turner only served 3 months in jail for rape, (we'll save that for a different article) but you don't want gay men/women to get married? Wake up people.

I obviously can't fully understand what you go through everyday, but I try my hardest. I try to understand Dakota to the best of my ability every single day. But what I don't understand is how people can "hate" you, or not approve of your lifestyle. You're just like everyone else, except with a little bit more spunk, and a lot more pride. How can someone not love that? Beats me.

Growing up, I was confused on why gay, lesbian, or even black was a label. In my opinion, we are all equal. No matter our skin color, sexual preference, we are all human beings with blood running through our veins. Every single one of us deserves the same rights and the same freedoms.

You have been forced your whole life to feel different from everyone else. You probably grew up feeling different, and out of place. For that, I feel for you. I grew up feeling different, for different reasons than you, but that just makes me think, if I felt so out of place, for this reason, I can't imagine how the LGBTQ community must feel growing up, trying to figure themselves out. I admire you for your strength.

I'm here to tell you...

You are so strong.

You are so beautiful.

You are admirable.

You are equal.

And, you are so, so, so fabulous.

I stand by you, and I will fight for you and your rights until I'm no longer able.