The Courage of Children: Boston and Beyond XXXI

Leo Le
Melissa Ma, Teacher
Salemwood School, Malden, MA
Currently it is 2022, and opinions mean everything. Opinions about race,
sexuality, gender identity, and much more. Along with opinions come
judgment. Do you know anyone that is transgender? Are you? If so, you might
relate to me, but we all have our own stories. Imagine the courage it would
take to come out to others, fearing what they say might not be what you
wanted to hear, especially when they are people close to you. I was exactly
in that situation.
It was mid-August in 2021 when I thoroughly questioned myself about who
I was. “Am I really comfortable with who I am at the moment? Do I really
want to be seen as a girl?” Those questions replayed in my head for hours.
The answer to those questions always came out as a “No.” Later that day, I
realized that I did not want to be a girl. I was transgender. I was happy that
I had finally found out who I really wanted to be. I was joyful, but it did not
last long, as I remembered I would also have to come out to my family and
friends. I brushed it off, still in joy, but over time, fear and anxiety started
tugging on my sleeve. I knew I had to tell them, but I was not prepared for
the outcomes I may face from telling them.
“In case you need
to hear this, you
are loved. Even if
it does not seem
like it at times,
it will be okay.”
2021 was rough for me, but I did not let it get to me. I am very happy now, and
I feel very comfortable with being who I want to be. In case you need to hear
this, you are loved. Even if it does not seem like it at times, it will be okay. You
have to fight through the thick and thin, no matter how hard life can get, and
that is what it means to be courageous.
It was in September of 2021 when I felt like I had to come out to my friends
and family. One night after dinner, I spoke up and told my parents that I was
transgender. I wanted to be a boy. At first, my parents thought it was all satire
and that I was making a funny joke, but their funny faces both turned into
angry frowns when they realized it was not a joke. My dad left without a word.
My mother commented harshly. “You’ll never be a boy. You’re a girl. What are
you thinking?” She told me that I was too young to be “brainwashed by the
internet.” Those were the most hurtful times of my life. I ran back to my room
on the verge of tears.
The following morning, I told my friends about my situation over text.
Thankfully, they comforted me and drowned me in support. They were my
heroes who helped me cope with what I was going through. My parents
have been treating me the same. They ignore the fact that I am transgender
and still call me a girl. Sometimes, I felt extremely unhappy, but I always
persevered through it. I am doing a lot better now. I constantly remind myself
of how proud I should be for being brave enough to come out.
The Courage of Children: Boston and Beyond
Volume XXXI
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