Photo by Raphael Renter | @raphi_rawr on Unsplash.
(For how i crafted these quotes, see What i changed in survey-takers' responses and What i didn't change.)
Adults overall
Thoughts on identities
Please treat me as I say I am.
There's nothing wrong with us. Don't make us feel ashamed of who we are.
It's my identity. Respecting that is so basic.
You see me in a way that I don't see myself. So you can't truly understand me. However, you should still respect my identity and take it seriously.
You can love me even if you don't like my identity.
Love and support us unconditionally for who we are.
Accepting us should be the first thing you do. You can learn more about our identities later.
Other related thoughts
Don't compare me to other trans people you've met.
Without your encouragement, queer and trans kids cannot feel safe or loved.
Supportive adults use gender-neutral language. Or they'll ask about me getting a "boyfriend or girlfriend" or a "partner" and not assume it will be just one of those.
"They just keep things normal. They let me know that my identity isn't seen as weird to them, I'm just a person who's different than they are."
Straight, cis adults "make it very clear that not only do they *tolerate* queer ppl, they *love* us."
I'm a trans woman. Include me in women's spaces and treat me like you do every other woman.
"I want to be heard and seen. I feel so alone as a queer youth and I wish that adults understood that we want to be 'normal' and supported just like any other teen."
"accept that the choices i am making for myself as a queer and trans adult are what i feel is best for me!"
"I wish i had a supportive adult in my life. 🙁 "
Parents
When your kid tells you they're queer, believe them.
Just because we're different than you think we are doesn't mean we're not still your child.
Straight and cis adults who are supportive will help me with things like getting a binder, wearing clothes that match my gender (my mom sometimes loans me hers!), getting my hair cut, and finding a good therapist. Don't forget that my hair will grow back. And no one's harmed if I change my clothing.
"For me, I was fortunate to have a mom who allowed me to cut my hair short, wear clothing from the men's section, and present myself in a more masculine way growing up. It made me less dysphoric at times, and in return, I feel more comfortable reaching out to my mom for support."
"My dad goes along with any puns or jokes I make in regards to my sexuality- Sometimes I'll respond to a question with 'I'm gay' even though I'm asexual, and my dad said 'you're gace'. (Love my dad)."
