I hear you. I am you

I came out to myself as a transgender woman six years ago. Since then, I’ve been heartened to see that transgender people are becoming more visible than ever. We are here and we are being seen. We are seen in the LGBTQI+ categories in streaming services, and in the advertisements that feature LGBTQI+ couples.

But being seen does not necessarily mean being heard. This can be evidenced in the perennial discussion of LGBTQI+ folk held by irreverent uncles to media conglomerates. These discussions are not always handled sensitively or compassionately. At other times, the representation of LGBTQI+ folk is tokenistic or a stereotype. It is in these moments that we have not always been heard.

But to be heard and understood is always important. It assures us that our thoughts and feelings are valued. That we are valued. It is therefore during these discussions that being heard matters most.

Thus, it may be the case that you are not being heard right now. It may be that your words are met only with silence. Your need for comfort not met with an embrace. But I write this article not to cement pangs of despair or loneliness, but to reassure you that you are heard. Because what you are feeling right now, no matter what emotion it is, it is being felt by innumerable others in the LGBTQI+ community. I know this because I am feeling it too.

It matters not that I have never met you, nor know your name. I still hear you. Because I am you.