The following is a letter written by a member of our Q42 group. Header art by Megan Monismith.
It’s okay to be figuring yourself out, to not know the answers and to get confused.
Love unconditionally and without worrying who cares.
Expression isn’t linear nor should it be seen as such, whether that’s love or gender expression.
Even when you have your label everyone is different.
None of us are perfect, sometimes we don’t fit perfectly into a puzzle, and that’s okay.
Not everyone knows what their label is, some people don’t even like labels.
But the most important thing to know is that it doesn’t matter what your label is, if you have one or more, whether it’s your gender identity or who you love.
You are human, you aren’t someone who should be cast out, you’re someone who people should love and accept and be friends with.
Just be you because I promise you that that’s enough.
Being LGBTQ+ isn’t a bad thing. It’s not a bad word. It’s not something to be ashamed of.
There shouldn’t be a default setting for anyone because there are 7.6 billion people in the world and no two are the same so don’t let society's expectations be a mask to hide behind.
Be proud. Shine bright. Experiment.
Love anyone who treats you right because nobody can tell you that it's not right; Love is not a choice.
Don’t lose who you are because people tell you that it's not right, there is only one version of you and anyone you choose to be your friend should be honoured!
Being confused, being worried, is normal, it’s part of a journey; A long winding journey but every step is so worth it, whether you come out the other side having a label, having no label, having even more questions, at the end of the day you are valid, you are loved, you are enough.
You are not alone I promise so never ever feel like you are.
Sincerely,
Someone who's been in your position before
