Returning to competitive cycling after injury, I expected physical challenges but wasn’t prepared for the profound emotional revelation of community acceptance and the realization that I truly belong in this space.
An extensive guide to understanding and supporting the trans community, including actionable steps, essential resources, and perspectives on current challenges facing transgender individuals.
Exploring the complex journey of identity work: balancing visibility with safety, community with solitude.
Fiddlehead fern. ©Skyler Lemay 2024 I remember being in a High School youth group, almost always more comfortable talking with the other girls. Then we would break up into gender segregated discussion groups for whatever the topic was at the time. We were reading some religious treatise around gender norms. It was written by a wife and her husband, each writing their own book. Supposedly, it was a call to action of how best to model our gender the “way god intended.” I didn’t get any of the discussions of how to be a man. I remember going up to the leader and asking if I could hang out with the girls, and being told that it wasn’t a possibility. They were my friends. We talked about life. I didn’t like being stuck in a group of boys. It didn’t make sense. None of it made sense. ...
I look in the mirror and wonder How can so little be done Such chaotic discord shifting my gaze At every chance it can Government proposes rule to strip away care From me and my community Reducing to acknowledge that gender affirming care Applies to them just as much as it does to me But work calls the next dayOne must contribute to the machine to survive You can focus on this right?! Collapse one hits the stage ...