People should love you for you, not for what they want you to be.
I’ve always felt out of place. I still remember how it was in fourth grade when I was first introduced to the 2SLGBTQQIA+ community. I had friends who had two moms and two dads, and I thought nothing of it. I was like, “Okay, cool!” Not only that, but my fourth-grade teacher was queer as well! I remember how one day, I had one of my childhood friends come over to my house who was masculine-presenting, and they came over with their nails painted. At that time, I had never seen someone masculine-presenting wear nail polish! As an uneducated 8-ish-year-old does, I asked their mom why they were wearing nail polish, and she told me that anyone could, and that I should not be quick to judge someone for expressing themselves in a way they feel comfortable with. What she said stuck with me to this day.
I later found out I was part of the community when I was 9, but fully came to terms with my identity at the age of 13.
I was extremely scared and felt like I was disappointing the world just for existing. No kid, or anyone for that matter, should have to feel that way, or that alone, just for wanting to live comfortably in their own body and with their identity.
No matter what intersectionality you are a part of, never forget that you are loved, and especially that you are not alone. You don’t have to change yourself to please others. You deserve to live, not just to survive. You deserve kindness, safety, care, and to be yourself.
You are worthy and valuable.