last year, we were all given a word that described us

they told me i was brave.

i wondered what that meant

to a kid who stuttered during presentations and had no more courage than a hare

to a kid who hated his voice and his hair and his chest

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

he nodded, smiled, fiddled with his shirt

“you seem really distracted.” they continued to prod

he shrugged in response

“aren’t you trans?” they huffed, eager to show allyship, “we support you, of course!”

she glanced down, stared at the pants she wore

where there should have been a skirt

and when she looked up, her face was straut.

last year, we were all given a word that described us

they told me i was brave.

i wondered what that meant