A Rose By Any Other Name

My name is Riley. I am a woman. I always have been. I take a great amount of pride in knowing myself that well. It takes a lot of gusto to be that true to yourself. And it takes even more to be that true to other people. We as human beings want to be loved. It’s in our programming. And so when a person such as myself comes along, something gets a little lost along the way. The need to protect yourself becomes greater than your need to be loved. And so we withdraw. We become silent in the background in the hopes that no one will notice the odd one at the back of the row. On the flip side, there are those who act out. In a fit of anger, confusion and denial we detract the attention from our personal struggle by offering forth recklessness and contempt for authority. Most people see this disguised cry for help as proof that the individual is a bad person. This is not the case, they are merely hurting and don’t know what to do with themselves. It isn’t easy to come to terms with yourself. It can lead to sadness and depression if left alone. I don’t know the numbers but the suicide rate for trans people is way higher than that of cisgender people. The rate of unemployment is also way up there. It doesn’t make sense. A person has a right to be happy. Period. 

The good news is that there are ways to help trans people feel more included in your life and also their own too. Call them by the name that they have chosen for themselves. That in itself is probably the strongest thing you can do to provide support. Use the proper pronouns that they identify with. If she is a she then call her her. If he is a he then say him. And don’t rule out third genders and all the other parts of the giant trans umbrella. Every person is unique and feels a certain way, so why not help their self confidence levels by addressing them as who they are, not what you see.(unless they transitioned already haha). These are things that I know would help me feel better about myself so I’m sure they will benefit others as well. 

I’ll come up with more soon.

Luv Ya!

Riley<3

@1 year ago