Acceptance.

Today is National Trans Day. It must be true because I saw it on Facebook. ha. If it is or if it isn’t really doesn’t matter, because I am sure those who are living in a body that they don’t identify with struggle about it every day, especially young people. For them every day is Trans day.

I can’t say I know any trans persons personally. Maybe I do but I have not been able to tell by their appearances. I do know though some lesbians and gay men, and I know that they also have times of struggle with acceptance, first with themselves and then by others. It’s something I have never had to deal with, or feel wrong about – or tell someone about. My body identity or my sexual preference is ‘straight’ forward – pun intended. Why I was born that way I was I do not know. Why they were – I do not know that either.

The saying goes ‘you don’t know how it is until you have walked a mile in my shoes.’ Well, I have never walked through life not fitting in with the norm. I have never walked feeling out of sorts with society’s expectations.

But, I do know this: It’s gotta be really hard to do. It’s also not a choice. LBGTQ are born the way they are, and still in today’s world it’s a challenge to ‘come out’ to family and friends. Most figure out their sexual identity in their teen years but don’t feel comfortable announcing it til much later. As if ‘announcing’ it should even have to happen.. Right? I didn’t ‘announce’ I was a heterosexual. I also know once the announcement is made and they tell others a great burden is lifted and they can be more authentic. They can live a truthful life. And… I’m all for that.

I therefore believe that we need to acknowledge that not understanding is okay, but not accepting is not okay. We need to understand that we come in all colors, in various heights and weights, and assorted sexual desires…built-in. From day one. It’s not a choice. And, a trans person has to be the toughest one to figure it out. Born with certain body parts but not being ‘right’ with them, not identifying with those parts connected to their own body.

I believe God made us ‘in His image” and that includes not just the physical look, but also with some intellect (some more than others – ha), and with spirits that are deeper than other living beings on earth. I also believe God doesn’t make mistakes. And, I believe that God loves every single person whoever they are. Again, skinny or obese, red or black skin, young or old, and heterosexual or gay – or trans. God loves everyone.

What God doesn’t like is seeing inequality, and meanness, and humans judging others. Jesus said to ‘love your neighbor as yourself’ with no asterisk after it. No ‘exceptions’ and no ‘changes required.’

Depression and suicides rates are higher in the gay and trans community. We all are to blame for it. We legislate against them. We make their lives difficult. We snub, or laugh, or put them down.

So today is a day to think about how we can behave differently. How we can make a day better for someone else. How we can be accepting. How we can love the differences we all have.