Having grown up in San Francisco, I am happy that the LGBTQ community is being recognized. Today, San Francisco had the Pride parade today which is the first time it has returned since the pandemic started.

I recommend a book called Growing Up Trans: In our Own Words. The book talks about their mental health struggle and their challenges of being accepted. Here’s an excerpt from the book:

“Butterflies”

Maise Bodrug, age 13

We used to be ugly caterpillars

Sad at not being who we truly are

Stress eating until we are self conscious of our weight

When the time comes, we hide in our delicate chrysalis

Away from the abuse of the outside world

Preparing to bloom into a magnificent being and show our true colors

We are done concealing our true identifies

We fly high and free, and feel warm sun in our wings

But we butterflies are sensitive

An insult causes us to wilt and fall

So be kind to us, and cherish us

For we do not last forever