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Hayley's avatar

Thank you so much for this, it is something I look forward to implementing on my own hard days. This was inspirational ❤️

Hayley, a trans gal in Florida!

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Lisa Brennan's avatar

Thank you Ben. Best article of yours that I have read so far. That’s saying a great deal, because they’re all wonderful.

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Ben Greene's avatar

Wow! That's so cool to hear. Thank you, Lisa!!

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Laura Garden's avatar

This is lovely. Thank you for sharing!

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Dalia Kinsey's avatar

It's so helpful to see a reminder that we don't owe misery to the movement. I know I'm going to have to keep reminding myself that martyrdom isn't necessary. In an ayahuasca journey last year I was told to focus on the love I have for the folks I advocate for (including myself) because that is more energizing and sustainable, rather than the burning hatred I have for bigotry and BS. It definitely feels better in the body.

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Kathy armstrong newsom's avatar

Reading this made me cry.i am proud of you.you fought to be known as the person you are and it was a hard fight.i have a gay granddaughter and a trans granddaughter.she is 12 and knew she was a girl by the time she was 4.we had never heard of such a thing but we all got on board with her parents and have supported her ever since.approaching puberty she has had a therapist and traveled out of our state to be part of team of doctors but last month they canceled it all.so now she knows there will be no puberty blockers to help her,the little girl who used to play dress up with her sister and say she wanted to have the biggest boobs.she realized,I think,a few years ago that looking less feminine was easier so dresses in jeans and tee shirts.she has passed in school so far but the future is hard to imagine.i don’t know how I can help her.its not enough to just be a good grandma.she needs more.

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Mary Austin (she/her)'s avatar

Thanks so much for this. Your experiences continue to live in my mind as an example of courage, and you'll be part of my sermon this coming Sunday an an example of the way we can step forward. I'm not crying, no definitely not. All good wishes to you.

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Alison Baldyga's avatar

I love hearing about your day from logistics to self care routines and how to find joy amongst all of it. It’s a lot. But knowing how others move through it and set boundaries to care for themselves is really helping me. As someone who grew up in KS and has family in MO too - I try to follow legislation where I grew up as well as my current home - thank you for all that you do!

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Juliet Martinez's avatar

This is going to be a long fight. Thank you for being in it and cultivating joy and wellness so you can continue... But also so you can enjoy -- in the present -- the life you've fought so hard to build. Thank you for sharing this and broadcasting the message that we can enjoy life even in the hardest of times 💚

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Ben Greene's avatar

Thank you so much, Juliet. I am committed to making sure I can be in this fight as long as it takes, and I know I deserve to have a good life while doing it.

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Christina Van Dyke's avatar

Thank you for this! The advocacy and the choosing joy 🌺

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Harley Knows Best's avatar

Thanks dude. Hard work for real.

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