I learned so much of what I know about queer culture and community from my sister and the books and movies she shared with me when we were growing up. I never had a big coming out moment with her about my sexuality, I just casually mentioned that I was dating so-and-so and that was that. Years later, when I was realizing my gender identity, I was suddenly terrified. Even though I knew she would always be my biggest supporter, the words were so hard to find; there weren’t a lot of trans folks in the media at the time and I honestly barely understood my gender identity myself. Naturally, when I did finally come out to her, she immediately accepted me as her brother – complete with all the teasing only an older sister can come up with about patchy facial hair. She gave me something everyone should have: the space and time to find myself and find the words.”
She gave me the space and time to find myself and find the words.