So, this can be a bit of a hard read in some ways.

But, Some of the people that made me almost give up when I was struggling with the realization I was trans? And trying to navigate that space was... actually trans folks in various online communities that I found while searching for answers.

My Cis Therapist, Psych, and GP were some of my support actually encouraging me to explore and transition.

And I don't mean the tiny handful of trans friends /1

I had at the time, I mean like, While searching for effects on HRT and stumbling upon forums, web groups, and meeting some local trans folks locally...

Were some of the worst experiences and stumbling blocks in coming out.

And I mean this in ways of I was told I'm not -Really- trans because I wasn't willing to take meds through the black market, despite having major health issues and being worried about the meds really messing me up.

And that /2

You can only transition if you're 18 or younger, If you're older than that, you're just gonna be ugly as fuck and

"Make our lives even harder. So stay the fuck away from us"

And when I got the intersexed diagnosis? It turned into

"You aren't trans. You're a FREAK"

And this was -both- in person, which sometimes ended in a trans person angrily throwing a coffee at me and storming out've the coffee shop while I tried so damn hard not to cry. 3/

I mean, there's so much -worse- than that happened.

But in short? My small handful of trans friends I did have. And the

HUGE Amount of supportive Cis Friends I did have? That actively helped me financially, mentally, and physically?

Both on and offline?

I wouldn't -be- here right now, if it wasn't for these people that are "only cis scum"

Since coming out, the sheer amount of trans folks I met online that are lovely and whole people is /4

Incountable and HUGE, and remember I've been -out- for going on 6-7 years. I've -only- been brave enough to venture forth in online communities because of these past experiences I had given, And been PARANOID to make any of these.

Because when I was getting consoled by all my cis friends? They were boggled on "Why are they attacking you for being who and what you are? Isn't that the whole point?"

At what point in the mirror can we go and say 5/

Wait, hey, maybe are we going too far? Am I doing a thing that's made me become the thing I hate?

Can we just accept each other, for what we, as individuals are?

We make such a point to "Don't judge me for being what I am" That it is horribly damaging, to ourselves, and others, to do the same, we weaken our own empathy and fluidity in thinking don't you say?

In short, I am -very- grateful for all of the lovely trans -and- cis people in my life. 6/