Trans flags planted in DC | Photo: Flickr/Ted Eytan
A Utah woman named Audrey posted a letter she received from a trans neighbor on Reddit, quickly going viral — and causing some heartfelt tears in the process.
‘This was left on my doorstep and it brought tears to my eyes,’ she wrote in the LGBT Reddit group. ‘I hear you, young man, and I hope you keep your chin up!’
Recently, Audrey put up a trans flag at the front of their Salt Lake City home and that’s what prompted the letter.
The boy’s letter | Photo: Reddit @HappyNazgul
Here’s what the letter reads in full:
Neighbor — Thank you for having a trans flag waving in your yard. I am a 15 year old trans boy living in an unsupportive household, but every time I see your flag, I feel better. I appreciate your exisistence and pride.
THANK YOU.
P.S. My handwriting is so bad! I’m sorry!
It also prompted other people on Reddit to share their own experiences.
Another person’s experience | Photo: Reddit
Reddit comment | Photo: Reddit
It also inspired people to wave their own flags publicly.
Another Reddit comment | Photo: Reddit
An act of courage
While speaking to PinkNews, Audry said the letter gave her ‘mixed feelings’.
‘I felt crushed that this teenager isn’t getting the support that they deserve, but I also felt truly inspired by them,’ she said. ‘It must have taken a lot of courage to write the note and drop it off on a stranger’s doorstep.’
Numerous studies have been done to show the struggles that trans youth, and other youth in the community face.
In Australia, 1 in 2 transgender teens have attempted suicide. This is due to numerous factors, including a lack of acceptance and support, bullying, isolation, depression, and more. For LGBTI students in the United States, only 1 in 4 feel safe at school.
Elsewhere, a survey in the UK revealed an increase in bullying caused a rise in suicidal ideation.
One way to help combat this for transgender youth is by respecting and using their chosen names and gender identities.
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