my life is not meant to make you comfortable

I started to realize why people come out

it’s not because they want to be brave

it’s not because they want to be a shining light

it’s because they’re angry

at the injustice being thrown upon them

and the words ignorant people speak

not directly at them

but meant for them-

they hurt

and they anger us

until we finally speak out

and in my 23 years

I’ve barely seen change

for the trans community

and people are so openly saying

we don’t exist

we’re just confused

but we are here

and we’re not going away

despite what makes you uncomfortable

my life is not meant to make you comfortable

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The Grand Canyon (Part 2)

Our friend came out to us last night,

in an emotional speech surrounded by loved ones.

We were still on the road,

now in Nebraska.

She FaceTimed us and told us she was trans.

She had her friends over,

the moment felt right.

I wished I could’ve hugged her.

You and I talked about gender and sexuality for a while

well after the call ended.

I learned you once contemplated not being cis.

I did too, back in high school.

I told you I loved that we were still learning about each other.

You smiled and agreed.

We were on the road,

on a street we’d never seen,

in a car you only bought a month ago,

but I couldn’t have felt more at home.