My Address to LGBTQ Youth

  I'm not old yet, so I remember high school and what it was like going through it as an out bisexual girl. I remember being called a slut, a dyke, greedy, desperate, liar, bitch.... all sorts of things. I was told the standard lies about going to hell, being unnatural, only doing it for male attention (because girls only kiss girls for guys' benefit), and being too young to have a sexuality, much less one outside the hetero-norm. It was hard and at times I did think about killing myself. I cut myself, demeaned myself, and gave those idiots exactly what they wanted. It was difficult to keep my head above water at the best of times. But to go with that awesome campaign making a presence, it got better (http://www.itgetsbetter.org/). I found friends who fought for me as fiercely as I should have fought for myself. I educated myself about what it meant to be queer, and about the struggles of other people.

  The best thing I ever did was get the hell out of there and go to college. I found people as passionate as I am, who gave a damn (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f-E7fykpeGc) and let everyone know it. I learned about the Stonewall riots, about transpeople and hate crimes, and joined LGBTQ clubs and attended seminars. I armed myself with knowledge, and it empowered me. I majored in Creative Writing because it showed me how to broadcast my voice, and I minored in Women's Studies because it gave me real herstory and told me the truth about racial issues, human sexuality in all its flavors, and humankind in every gender, color, and category.

  You will find opposition as often as you will find support. There are stupid people everywhere, and scared ones who have a hard time respecting and recognizing anything different. You will encounter corrupt social infrastructures that hold you back and deny you your basic human rights and the respect you deserve. But keep this in mind- you do deserve respect. As a feminist and a queer, I have learned to carve out my space where none exists for me. Don't be afraid to be loud and get creative. You will be called names, you will experience violence, and you have the strength to rise above all of it.

  Most of all, know you are NOT alone. I'm here, and I care. I care about YOU, and I care about my neighbors all over this country and this world. I will be your shoulder and your rock, I will beat ass for you and shout to the highest levels of government. My love is big enough for anyone and everyone. I'm here, I'm queer, and I'm not going anywhere. I'm here for you, and so are millions of people around the world. Remember this: you matter and you can make your place in this world. You have the power to stand up for yourself and for others. Use it.