I’m sorry. But it always baffles me when a queer or trans person declares “I am normal” or “We are normal.” Certainly, we only want to be left alone to freely and safely live our lives and pursue our personal aspirations. That’s a normal desire. And, I know that’s what you’re saying here.

But, we’ll never be “normal” in the way bigots and homo/transphobes think of “normal.” So, why would we ever want to be seen as that kind of normal? Why not accept that every one of us is extraordinary, even as we seek the right to be accepted for who we are?

I am not normal. I’m queer (which literally means the very opposite of normal.) That, to me, is an important distinction, one I’m reluctant to surrender. In fact, homo/transphobia is founded on the fear of queerness and transness becoming normalized. Meanwhile, slowly but surely, that’s exactly what is happening… which is precisely why there is so much hateful reaction. Peace.