I try to stay focused on the positives of life. All aspects of life, of which being transgender is one.

In many ways, I love being transgender. It is my the realization of my inner self, the person I kept hidden for most of my life, who is now free to be herself. The relief, the validation I received from others in our community, have improved my self-esteem and moved me closer to true self-actualization.

Yet, I would be blind to ignore the societal pressures that come with being openly trans. These pressures come in the form of taunts and insults and threats. They come in the denial of basic freedoms and jobs and of our gender itself. They come in violent attacks upon us, committed simply because we choose to exist. All of these pressures and threats come from outside our community and at times we feel helpless to do anything about them.

I just read a recent article in THE ADVOCATE, which concerned how many trans people are altering their health care in the face of the upcoming elections in November. This is troubling to me in various ways.

For one--always take care of yourself FIRST. You are your own best advocate when it comes to health issues and if you delay or end treatment of any kind out of fear of what MAY come, you are only hurting yourself. Don't do that.

Secondly, you do have a vote. Use it. I have no sympathy for anyone who complains about something and then refuses to act on it if they have the opportunity. In November, you have that opportunity. Your vote is as strong and as meaningful as the vote of the most virulent transphobic. Counter their ballot with yours. No excuses, just do it.

And there is a line in this article that I wish to note: "92 percent said that the election discourse is causing them to feel anxious, and 2 in 3 are experiencing "frequent mental distress" because of it."

It pains me to read that. Perhaps because I have a long history of social protest and confrontations, I choose to act rather than succumb to outside pressures. I turn my anger into action, whether that comes in the form of protest or through writing or some other counter-measure that displays my point-of-view and forces my opponent to defend or rethink theirs.

I can't take away your anxiety or allay your "mental distress" about the world to come. But I can reassure you that positive changes are possible if you put yourself out there and advocate for them. Show the general public that our community will not be denied our deserved place in society. Be a shining, positive example. Be vocal, but non-confrontational unless you are confronted. Draw strength from our community in knowing that we are behind you, supporting you.

As I said: my background is filled with such advocacy. I have always taken strong stances, even when outnumbered and under threat. You don't have to be that bold, but in your own way, embolden yourself by drawing upon the positives of being trans, of the joy derived by finally being yourself, and stop stressing about the reactions of others.

--- Anni