Dear Lyra (rule)

To the closeted trans girl I met in the park today: I am so sorry I didn’t catch you again after the cookout. On the slim chance you’re on the fediverse, maybe this will find you.

You’re beautiful. You’re strong. And it’s never too late. If you let yourself be convinced it’s too late, you…we have lost. WE need you here so that when we’ve built a better world, we can all experience it together. And if that doesn’t happen in our lifetimes, then we will know we all worked until the end for that dream for each of us, but also for every trans kid after us and to honor every trans ancestor before us. You are loved. You are seen. You are heard. We NEED you here.

Some folks much wiser than I have said, “god is change” and while I’m not religious, there must be a truth to that, because I’ve not seen anything more godly than trans joy shining through all our hardship. Our elders have gotten there, we can get there and we will help others get there too.

Stay safe. Stay angry. Stay happy.

I love you.

P.S. I’m not sure how safe it is for you to read certain physical books, but I’ve got a long list of e-books and audiobooks, and even just articles you’d maybe like. If you ever find this, please reach out.

P.P.S. I’m sorry if I seemed a bit awkward or almost dismissive conversationally at first. I get weird imposter syndrome when I feel like I’m being looked up to as a queer elder to someone. Maybe I misread, but it’s also an honor when it does happen, I’m just not super used to it.