Acceptance

I have been so blessed to have my family accept who I am. We all crave acceptance. For some they aren't as lucky. Recently in the news you may have seen the transgender teen that committed suicide due to the fact that her parents wouldn't accept her the way she was. Everyone has their opinion on the LGBTQ society. For Leelah she felt her life wasn't even worth living because her family refused to allow her to live the life she wanted. She was born as a boy named Josh but she never felt like she was in the right body. Imagine being stuck as someone you're not. To feel trapped in a body that you don't think was made for you. Leelah did her very best to try to fit in and do "boyish" things but that feeling of being in the wrong body made that all so difficult. I personally hate when someone tells me how I feel. I know first hand what it's like to be a phase. For the transgender population they are told that God does not make mistakes. That the way they feel is wrong. Leelah was taken to a therapist to try and change her into something she is not. She lived a life of loneliness. She was cast out of society. Since her death there has been more attention on helping transgender teens. One positive thing to come out of this tragic event and loss. For anyone reading this parents or people that will be parents one day make sure you show your child love, Don't ever make them feel alone in this world because it's scary enough. Support them in everything they do. Don't try to change them or say it's a phase. For some it could be a phase but the best way is for them to figure that out on their own. Give your child strength.With your family's support not much else seems to matter. You have to support their dreams. Let them be the person they feel they are. Everyday teens and other members of the LGTBQ community are thrown out of their homes. Kicked out of their family. Everyday another lonely soul ends their life. This is a quote from Leelah's last post talking about how her mother told her it was a phase and she needed to end those thoughts immediately. "Even if you are Christian or are against transgender people don't ever say that to someone, especially your kid. That won't do anything but make them hate them self. That's exactly what it 'did to me." I know I can't change everyone's mind but I want to try. Fill your homes with love and acceptance. Take away all of the hostility and negativity. The world lost a beautiful soul when Leelah ended her life and if I can save just one I will do my very best to. Rest in peace beautiful girl. You are loved loved loved.