to be trans
is to love myself
is to embrace myself wholly
fully and completely
– without an ounce of shame

to be trans
is to know myself
is to know who I am
not ascribing to outside pressures
and views

to be trans
is to be regarded critically
misgendered
mocked
be called names
getting groped
risking getting beaten or killed
– and getting up again

to be trans
is to be and become
to be beautiful
each in their very own way
is having a family,
not simply of blood

to be trans
is to rise strong
for myself
and others.