What does it mean to freely express who you are, who you love, and who you want to become? For the LGBTQ+ community, this isn’t just a philosophical question; it’s deeply personal.

The journey of living authentically is far from easy. While acceptance has grown compared to before, challenges and obstacles still remain. Many are ridiculed for expressing themselves, forcing them into silence out of fear of rejection by society.

It isn’t wrong to love someone of the same gender, to explore your sexuality, or to change how you look. Nor is it wrong to feel that two pronouns aren’t enough. The ability to love and express yourself freely is a kind of confidence that makes a person truly shine when they wear it.

Too often, society focuses on someone’s identity rather than their abilities. This bias leads to fewer job opportunities and unfair treatment. Personal life should never interfere with professional life, so why does being part of this community still reduce one’s chances of making a living or achieving their dreams? Differences should never justify exclusion.

Accepting those who have been hiding in the shadows of shame and helping them emerge with pride isn’t a lofty goal; it’s the bare minimum.

• – Ayana Dhall 9A