Well. That was something. My first convention experience was breathtaking to say the very least.

My first vacation, my first time in a huge city like this, my first time doing a social gathering that wasn't a family member's birthday, my first time surrounded by loving, caring, like-minded people who don't care about any superficial shit about you, and just accept you. It has been an emotional ride from start to beginning, almost like going through the stages of grief over the course of a weekend.

From showing up in a strange city, to seeing my friend of 10+ years for the first time, to getting a much-needed hug from a stranger. It didn't take long for me to start warming up and feeling loved and welcomed and accepted. Truly appreciated just for my existence and not for what I could do for them, or what I look like. I was so scared that I'd never find my home, to find what made me get out of the house and have something to look forward to.

And now I've found it. I've found a place. Something that I can cling to. Something that will drive me to continue to improve and work upon myself, so that I can continue to be in a space to do what makes me happy.

I've never had anything like this. I've always been so scared. Terrified. I still am, really, but such a massive weight has been lifted off of me and I can feel like I'm able to just exist and move and do what makes me happy.

I'd love to meet with even more of you all next time. <3

Thank you for everyone who made this possible, from friends to strangers to staff. Until next time everyone.