Jeffrey Marsh, author of How to be You receives hundreds of letters from queer teen youth asking for not just advice but strength in coming out.  In a moving article, Marsh helps 3 different teens realize they can thrive and find acceptance.  He shares with them his strength as a queer advocate.

A recent survey found that 1 in 10 elementary school students is gender-nonconforming, and that these students are more than twice as likely to be bullied at school.

In one letter, “K.” explains how he’s found confidence through Marsh’s videos.  It serves more as a thank you note than a cry for acceptance. Marsh serves as the ultimate hype man telling “K.” multiple words of encouragement.

Hate never belongs to the hated.

His thoughts on hate stand out as strong piece of advice across the board. Empathy is such a strong tool for healing and if you can understand where your haters are coming from than you are on the right track! Honestly, I hope he starts churning these out regularly. We need more stories about triumph and love now more than ever.

The second letter deals with not just society’s acceptance but “N.” family’s acceptance. After he came out, “N.” struggled with his family shutting him out. Marsh continues to tell these kids how incredibly strong they are. That they are warriors!

The last letter included is so moving, I’ll let it speak for itself below.

Dear Jeffrey,

I’m 19 and I’m trans and live on my own.

To think that I was going to kill myself this week. I had planned it, I had thought it through meticulously…

I.was.ready. To think that I could have wasted the opportunity in life to BE ME. You have been an inspiration for me to keep going, to live for ME and grow as a strong individual. I want to thank you.

A.

This is an incredibly moving piece featured on THEM. and I highly recommend checking it out.  Let us know what you think and maybe reach out to Marsh to share more stories of strength in coming out!

Content via  THEM.