“To My Adversaries” | A Trans Teen Waxes Poetic (Literally)
SELF-EMPOWERING WORDS WE ALL CAN ADMIRE, FROM A CLIENT OF GWLA — WISE BEYOND HIS YEARS
When I felt inspired to write this poem, my emotions were piled on high from the day-to-day stresses of social interaction as a trans-identified individual. The essential moments of communication between people may feel natural and affirming to some, but everything that was different about my gender found a way to manifest its implications in school, and it reminded me of how others perceived me (sometimes, negatively). What has kept me going is my willingness to provide the opportunity for what can and must change, and my refusal to accept that my outward appearances and my actions are reflective of the person that I am on the inside.
Today, which years ago I didn’t think I’d be alive to see, I am thriving as a senior in high school, I’ve been accepted into my top choice for university, and I am ready to graduate with a positive outlook on life and the future. Our society has the great potential to rewrite wrongs and make genuine and thoughtful progress to support the people who often slip through the cracks. Life and people change, and if someone is too ignorant to listen, then find the people that will, and start a conversation. ~LUKE
