Notes

The definition of courage is ''the ability to do something that frightens someone." I think we can all generally agree with this statement, but I think it may be too vague. As a child, sleeping in the dark may have been enough to be considered courageous. For adults, courage might be accepting loss, loneliness, or death. For me, and other LGBT folks, courage takes on an entirely different meaning.

No matter where one falls on the LGBT+ spectrum, we are expected to accept that our family, friends, bosses, teachers, and coworkers may very likely disagree with who we are. Most LGBT people experience some form of homophobia in their lifetime, and most LGBT teens suffer from anxiety and depression due to this. Sadly, the LGBT+ community has very high suicide and self harm rates because of this.

One of the most courageous things someone can do is open up their hearts to new ideas. Megan Phelps-Roper was born and raised in the Westboro Baptist Church, but she left after she spoke with an ally on twitter. She was a part of the most hateful groups in the United States, and knew that she would lose her entire family for leaving, yet she still opened her heart to love. One can quite literally save the life of their family or friend just by educating themselves, and listening.

Coming out to my dad was one of the hardest things I've ever done. He has never understood the concept of trans people. When I was 13 he got mad that I cut my hair because he didn't want me "becoming a boy." He didn't understand that dysphoria is real and that this was what I needed. I could have just ignored his transphobia, as I don't live with him. I could have blocked my father everywhere and never recognized him again, but instead I tried my best to explain exactly what I knew. It was rough, and it was scary, but I did it. If I had to pick a courageous moment of mine, that's it.

It can be hard to understand new ideas, it's tough to accept that the old ways are wrong, but if one can at least listen, they're helping an entire community. I think the most courageous thing someone can do is reach out and educate those who disagree. Opening yourself up, showing them that you are human too, can lead to some amazing results.