It's been nearly seven years since I came out of the closet; since I told you both that I didn't feel okay in my body, with my sex or perceived gender. Like most LGBT+ teens, I was told that it was “just a phase.” But it's been seven fucking years. Seven years that you both have known. And yet, during these seven years, NEITHER of you have tried to learn or accept it. In fact, NO ONE I've known for years has made any sort of effort, like if you ignored it it would magically disappear. I'm so tired of being told “it's hard for me, too” or people excusing you saying “oh well, just give them time!” It's been seven years; that's plenty of time. As for it being “difficult” for you, how fucking inconsiderate. Is it really hard for you? Is it so hard that you've felt the need to harm yourself? To end your life? To feel like absolute scum? Because for me, having the people you love tell you that you're “ruining their lives” for something I had never asked for is hard. —I just want to be me