Thread by @vyrthandi

I was seated at the wedding reception when Jillian stood up to address her guests. The majority were trans, including every bridesmaid.

She began to share a quote.

Seven words in, I was dumbstruck. I knew the words. I'd written them in the early hours of the morning.

https://twitter.com/vyrthandi/status/1453649830589304836

I listened and sat motionless as she read every word, trying to process this moment, feeling the energy in the room.

I was surrounded by people who inspire and motivate me every day. Women who I adore and see as role models for the kind of woman I want to be.

When Jillian finished, and the room was cheering, it was the first time I could see, in the real world, that I'm not just whispering, pleading or shouting my thoughts into the void.

People I adore were cheering what I had written.

I'm still trying to process this.

When I wrote those words, I was attempting to sublimate my frustrations over all the recent celebrity transphobia. I'd just read the Matt Stone quote from the Hollywood Reporter.

I don't want to live in a world where he and others feel comforted for disseminating transphobia.

My desire was to reach out and comfort even just one trans person, isolated, alone and afraid, affected by the ever mounting cold indifference with which the world regards us (at best).

When I write things like this, I never expect to have an impact, or to see my words received.

I'm just a normal trans girl, living very far from my friends, family, sisters and lovers. My role in our collective struggle is very small, but I hope I can spread some compassion before this life comes to an end, and remind people that they are not alone.

Thank you, @JillianAtLast. This was one of the few moments in my life where I felt fully seen, and heard.

It was a blessing to be asked by you and @scarlett_addams to stand for you both at the altar. Thank you for this gift.

💗💗💗