This is war.

I enjoyed at one time educating people on what it means to be trans, to challenge their preconceived notions, and erase stereotypes. But it's becoming exhausting, and I'm so tired.

I shouldn't have to fight for the right to be able to use a public restroom without threat of harm or arrest. I shouldn't have to defend myself and others having basic human rights. I shouldn't have to explain why I need surgery to fix my body, why it's medically necessary for me to move forward with my life. I shouldn't have to explain that I'm not mentally screwed up or delusional. I shouldn't have to explain the difference between gender reassignment surgery and female genital mutilation. I shouldn't have to dispel this "dude in a dress" bullshit day after day after day after day. I shouldn't have to defend my relationship with Christ from people who say I can't be Christian and transgender. I should be able to attend a Bible study for women, I should never be told I'm not woman enough. I used to go into these things with an open heart. But now it's a war every day and I'm furious, and I'm so full of anger and pain I'm shaking as I type. This is so beyond unfair. This is unjust. But I won't stop fighting. I don't have a choice.