I’m a gay cis man, and I support trans rights completely and without apology. I know what it feels like to live in a world where people have opinions about who you are and who you love. I know how hurtful it can be when people question your right to simply be yourself. I won’t pretend that means I understand what it’s like to be trans, but I don’t need to. I know what it means to want to be accepted, respected and allowed to live your life in peace. That’s why I find the way some people speak about trans people so upsetting. Behind every debate is a real person, with feelings, family, relationships, hopes and dreams. As a gay man, I don’t see trans people as a threat to me or my identity. I see people who deserve the same freedom, dignity and happiness that I want for myself. I don’t have to understand every aspect of someone’s life to stand up for their right to live it. And I certainly don’t believe that showing compassion for one group means taking something away from another. I’ve always believed that being able to live openly as yourself is something to be valued, not something to deny others. I refuse to believe that kindness, equality and basic human decency should be controversial. Trans people deserve to live without fear, shame or having their existence constantly debated. They deserve to be heard, respected and accepted for who they are. I stand with them because I know how important it is to be accepted for who you are. And because, at the end of the day, we’re all just human beings trying to live our lives and be happy. That really shouldn’t be too much to ask. 🏳️‍⚧️❤️