**Introduction:**
I've always known that I was different, even from a young age. I didn't quite fit into the traditional mold of what society expected me to be. As a child, I would play with dolls, dress up in costume, and desire to wear makeup. I found boys alluring and attractive, and as I grew older, my feelings only intensified. But it wasn't until I stumbled upon the world of video games that I began to realize that my feelings were more than just a phase.
**The Power of Fantasy**
When I was around 9 years old, I discovered the Legend of Zelda series. I fell head over heels in love with Link, the brave hero who risked everything to save the princess. I would spend hours playing the game, imagining myself as Zelda, the princess in distress. This was my first experience of feeling a deep connection with someone, and it was exhilarating.
As I grew older, my feelings for boys never went away. But I struggled to understand what they meant. I didn't know that there was a word for how I felt – or at least, not yet.
**The Harsh Reality**
It wasn't until I was a bit older that someone told me what "gay" meant. And with that knowledge came a sense of shame and fear. I was taught that being gay was wrong, that God hated it, and that it was a sin that would lead to eternal damnation. The weight of these beliefs crushed me.
I began to pray every night, begging God to change me. I would lie in bed, tears streaming down my face, hoping against hope that my feelings would somehow disappear. But they didn't.
**The Struggle is Real**
For years, I struggled to reconcile my feelings with the teachings of my faith. I felt like I was living a lie, trapped in a body that didn't match the gender I felt inside. The pressure to conform to societal norms was overwhelming, and I often felt like I was walking on eggshells.
But as I grew older, something inside me began to shift. I started to realize that there was nothing inherently wrong with being different. In fact, being different is what makes us unique and special.
**Coming Out: The Scariest Choice of My Life**
I've just come out as trans to my closest friends and family. It's been an incredibly difficult process, filled with anxiety and uncertainty. The fear of rejection and judgment is still very real for me.
As a trans person, I've been told that my existence is an abomination, that I'm going against God's plan for my life. It's hard to ignore the vitriol and hatred spewed by so-called "good people" towards trans individuals like myself.
I'm terrified of being rejected by those who are supposed to love and accept me unconditionally. The thought of losing relationships with people who are supposed to be my support system is crippling.
**The Reality Check**
Despite the fear and uncertainty, I know that coming out as trans is the right decision for me. It's not easy being honest with myself and others about who I am, but it's necessary.
I'm tired of living a life that's not authentic. I'm tired of pretending to be someone I'm not just to fit in with societal norms. Being trans doesn't define me – it's just one part of who I am.
**Conclusion:**
To anyone who may be struggling with their own identity or feeling trapped in a body that doesn't match their gender identity, know that you are not alone. You are valid and deserving of love and acceptance just as you are.
To those who claim to be "good people" but spew hatred towards trans individuals like myself, know that your words have power. They have the power to hurt and destroy lives.
Let's work together to create a world where everyone can live their truth without fear of persecution or rejection.
Remember: being different is what makes us special.
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