On Trans "Bravery"

Back in early transition, I'd occasionally be told by cis "allies" "you're so brave and strong to be your true self". Or even worse "I could never do that".

Trans people ARE brave, but not under the usual definition - charging enemy lines or jumping into a burning building to save a child. The "bravery" is yourself being trapped in the closet of a burning building, and having the courage to flee the building before you die. So while it is bravery, for a whole lot of us, it's legit the last resort after we've exhausted all other options.

Okay yes, people who transition because of trans joy exist too. And good for them. Hell yeah to get out before the burning building gets bad. But I'm talking about us dysphoria trans.

If you're stuck in that burning building, so long as the path out is less bad than staying in the closet til you die, anyone can find that bravery. And those we lose ... They're the ones who couldn't find a path out.