Happy cake day, Lady Butterfly!

Growing up, I was always very confused when faced with people protesting and hating queer people. It never made sense to me as a child why anyone should get hate for being who they are and not hurting anyone while doing so.

I’m happy to say I never grew out of that thought.

Happy 🦋day!!

I never had that, though I have to confess that I did something harsh, way before I realised it for myself.

I once yelled to a queer gal to shut up, because she kept interrupting a conversation between me and my friends (we visited a friend who lived in the same house as her). Whether she was queer or not didn't play a role for me in shutting her up; she may have had a beard still and a deep voice (she was amidst her social transition) but if she's a gal she's a gal. And so I didn't say "sir" but "ma'am", simple as.

professionals_have_standards.🇵🇬

But yeah, the mindset can make a big difference, I feel. And I realise that she was probably not in the best headspace at that moment, 'cause it's tough being queer and/or a gal, going through all that. And so I sometimes wonder if I discriminated against her. If she ever sees this, I apologise; and hope it may be better.

Ever since I realised it for myself, I want to make it easier for myself and others, so I got period packs with me just in case some bleeder needs 'em. It's a riot to not have access to menstrual healthcare everywhere.

In a good sense, pride is also a riot. To call for help and change, to be in solidarity. 🫶🏳️‍🌈

Those of us who claim we’ve never made a misstep, particularly in our youth, are most certainly lying. Making mistakes and learning from them is very human. Even if that particular gal never sees your message, it’s valuable.

I know I struggled to wrap my head around gender dysmorphia and trans issues when I was much, much younger. It was something I never experienced myself and although I knew myself to be an ally it took a few years to really empathize with the trans struggle. Growing up in the 80s and 90s as a sheltered kid was a struggle. And that was all before I realized I was queer.

Pride is absolutely a riot. Live your life out loud, birdwing. Every voice matters 💕