I'm (23, ftm) part of a small community of local singer-songwriters and musicians in my area. I joined the scene I'm a part of a month after I was sexually assaulted by a guy I was dating at the time. I started coming around in May, and I was not out as transgender yet. The first person that felt safe to me after my assault was a guy who hosted one of the open mics I decided to start going to, Andrew. Andrew has since become my adopted big brother and saved my life in more ways than one. He's the greatest big brother in the world and I'm so lucky and blessed to have him. But the friends I've made from the scene have changed my life forever. I have c-PTSD and a long history of people treating me really badly. That assault was not my first time - far from it. I was suddenly, for the first time, surrounded by safe men that saw I was vulnerable and used that as fuel to get really protective over me instead of taking advantage of me. I'm the youngest of the group, so everyone is a little protective over me. In October, I couldn't hold it in anymore. I called my brother and broke down crying and told him I'm trans. He did everything right. He told me he loved me before, and he would love me as trans. I told my friends the next day, and came out to the rest of our scene a couple days later. Everyone has been so kind and has made me feel so loved. My brother and my friends are LOUD with their support and affirmation. My friend Jared helped me pick out a packer, my best friend Harrison is constantly pointing out when I look really masculine in an outfit, my friend Adam took me shopping for clothes, and my brother offered to help me with my injections once I start T because I'm bad with needles (my appointment is in a few days!!!). I guess what I'm trying to say here is that if you don't feel supported or loved, I promise there are people out there that will take you exactly as you are and make you feel more loved and worthy than you ever thought possible. Stay strong y'all. You deserve to be happy, loved, safe, and affirmed. Much love 💕