I am trans. I'm okay with that and it has given me plenty of positive experiences. I've had flawless support from my friends & family and am broadly happy with who I am.

But I think I sometimes overlook some of the burdens most trans people carry, myself included:
- Micro-aggressions from public don't understand.
- Missing out on key experiences during childhood/adolescence.
- The fear of being single forever because you are "broken".
- The sinking feeling when someone misgenders you.
- The hesitation to speak, because your voice betrays you.
- The political discourse over whether your identity is valid.
- The bureaucratic hoops you jump through for medical support.
- The guilt you don't act feminine/masculine enough to be trans.

I imagine there are parallels to the rest of the LGBT+ community. Coming out of the closest isn't a one-off thing, you have to do it every time you meet someone new. And sometimes it's easier not to bother; are you really going to see that taxi driver ever again?

And I think it's important sometimes to give yourself a break when these things start to get to you. It's okay to be angry, upset or frustrated. Especially during a year where we've been so separated from those that love us.

I'm eternally grateful I found furry. It's not perfect, but its a safe space where people can just be themselves, and we should treasure that.