Keil, Age 12, North Carolina
KEIL: It’s honestly kind of upsetting because trans and queer people have not done anything wrong, they’re just trying to be themselves. And it’s not fair. Even though it hasn’t personally affected me yet, I’m pretty sure if it continues it’s probably going to. So, I’m concerned about it. I’m not sure what might happen, but one thing I can think of which is awful is gay marriage being illegal again. People not being able to get surgery, or actually become fully transgender and be themselves. I feel like we’re going back in time more than we should be.
There’s not much that I can do since I’m a child. Usually I talk to my sibling, and they help me with my feelings. So does my mom. She tries to put sense into me, but sometimes it can’t be put in with all the things that are going on.
SIBLING: There’s a lot of things that Keil deals with that I can relate to, including the fact that a lot of trans healthcare is difficult to find or illegal. It’s hard to help someone deal with something when you’re also going through it, but it’s also a good thing because you’re better at talking about it if you can relate.
MOM: I’ve raised my children since birth to be who they are, and to be confident and strong and kind and compassionate and love others. For them to see people in our community, and on a national scale, not reciprocate that kindness back to them simply because of who they are is disheartening. But I can guarantee that within our home, within our walls, they are going to be unconditionally loved and supported.
It’s really hard to know that once they step out of the house, I can’t guarantee that anymore. They don’t realize how lucky they are to have the support they have, not to toot my own horn – but, beep beep! I’m afraid of so much in the future. I’m afraid of their ability to be who they want to be, to be who they feel they are. My only comfort is to know that when they’re in our bubble, it’s going to be ok. Because that’s all you can do as a parent, that’s all you can control. And it’s scary.
KEIL: I felt like it would be nice to share my opinion, and although I know I might not make a big difference, I can make some kind of difference. At least to one or two people. There’s 8 billion people in the world, and you’ve got to make a difference at least a little bit. Don’t hide who you are just because you feel like your friends or family won’t like it, or won’t agree with you. Do it for yourself, not just for other people. Your life is not about them, it’s about you. It’s your life.
MOM: You’re not alone. There are other parents out there that wish they could give you a hug, that know how hard it is to see your child hurting when they come home and someone has said something mean to them, or they’ve been bullied. If we can all live with full hearts and put out that unconditional support and love for these kids, I know we can change the world. People will see it, and people will catch on.