Dear young trans Coloradans,

We wanted to take a moment to let you know how invaluable you are. To make sure you hear the words that some of us never did. Because we know the world is messy right now, and while we and countless others are fighting for you, we hope these words can be used as a shield against anyone who wants to deny the beauty of your existence. So take them in, let them settle into your bones and know that you are not alone. Know that you are whole and wonderful exactly as you are and that, despite what others may think, you represent a long history of amazing humans who dared to create their own space in the world. 

You don’t have to be perfect or good, or know everything. Make mistakes, change, grow, evolve, shed, bloom. When they try to put you in a box, climb on top of it to get a better view. You know, the view of the sunset with the pink clouds lighting up the blue sky with trans colors just for you. Andrea Gibson (they/them) wrote, “Everyone loved butterflies, but I trusted the caterpillars more. I trusted the ones who knew they were not done growing.” No one knows this better than you, our beloved young people. Whatever you do, don’t stop growing up, there’s so much more to see.

We envision a future with abundance and unconditional acceptance. Where binaries don’t dictate our daily lives, where bathrooms are just bathrooms and going to the doctor isn’t political. A future where everyone can show up in the world exactly as desired and where you have the freedom to explore and figure that out for yourself. A future where the stories and history of our community flows freely without fear. Because you are our community, whether you know it yet or not. We share in your hope and your joy, and your fear. We know it can be heavy. But there are so many of us and we are all holding it together. 

Your truth is hopeful and your existence is the only proof we’ll ever need. We see you, we trust you, and we believe you. We will continue to walk alongside you and stand up for you in a fight you shouldn’t have to fight. But you are not fighting it alone, we promise you that.

All our love,

One Colorado