last year, we were given words that described us

they told me i was brave, i wondered what that meant

to a kid who had no more courage than a hare, who stuttered during presentations and hated his voice

to a kid who wanted to live his middle school life unnoticed and quiet, to a kid who wanted to be normal

“is your home life okay?” they asked with mock concern

he nodded, smiled

“you seem really distracted, what’s up?” they continued to prod

a shrug in response, he hugged his chest

they sighed, rolled their eyes and huffed. “you’re trans, aren't you?”

she looked down, stared at the pants she wore, where there should have been a skirt

she glanced up, her face was straut.

last year, we were given words that described us

they told me i was brave. i wondered what that meant.