In light of our recent readings, I wanted to dedicate this post to my dear friend (without spilling too much of her tea). Obviously, this post does not even come close to embodying our 10 year friendship.
We met in high school, and I knew from the beginning that my friend was someone special. There was a fire in her soul, similar to mine, and we were destined to be lifelong friends. She was chaotic, messy, and downright sassy but most of all she was kind. As close as we were, I could tell she was holding something back, like a part of her had not been unleashed yet. A beautiful butterfly yet to emerge from its cocoon.
The changes were gradual, from experimenting with makeup to doing drag for the first time. Each step of the way I was there to support her and supply her with anything materials she may need or want to try. I remember feeling so grateful that I had such a unique and special friendship with her. She trusted me to be a part of her journey. And over the years, I had the privilege of watching her blossom into her true, authentic, and unapologetic self.
However, the transition wasn’t easy and there were struggles. I watched as her family tried to tear her down each step of the way, unable to accept her. Already a family of gay sons and lesbian daughters, but a trans daughter? That was unacceptable. Family members, straight and queer, struggled with using her new preferred pronouns and chosen name, both out of habit and resistance. After years of confrontation and conflicts her family eventually grew to accept and understand her. I believe that they were afraid because of what they did not know or understand at the time. Fear of the unknown.
I do not want to put too much of her life on blast but being her friend through this beautiful yet challenging journey has taught me so much. I’ve learned about resilience, about self love, and about the POWER of living as your true self, no matter what comes your way. I’ve seen firsthand that everyone deserves to be celebrated for who they are, not for who the world expects them to be. I am endlessly proud of her and her strength to move mountains. My friend you are so loved and I will always support you no matter what.
Unruly Bodies 
This is such a beautiful story and I cannot thank you enough for not only sharing, but being such an amazing friend. One of the most difficult things I have had to learn in my life is that it really does take a village. Whether that’s a group of people with the same set of shared experiences, or one person holding it down for you a support system is more than vital. I believe that this is especially true of the trans community — I would be nothing without people supporting me along my path. I know how challenging it can be to just watch someone struggle, but even being a listening ear means more than words can say. Once again, thank you.
Reading this post filled my heart with a warm, fuzzy feeling. Your friend is lucky to have you. I hope you tell them often and loudly how much you care for them, because you clearly do. Having even one person in your support system who loves you unconditionally and supports you makes a world of difference, and I am glad that even though her family wasn’t a system of support at first, she still had you.