Notice:
We are All Unique in Personality and the way we live our lives, to be confined by fear should never be acceptable; how one lives their life is their choice alone; Society should not be dictated by those who lead by hateful anger and discrimination.
Choice is what makes us unique
“Courage isn’t just a matter of not being frightened, you know. It is being afraid and doing what you have to do anyway” ~ Jon Pertwee
England, Lancaster
Within Lancaster a young girl named Lilly lived; Lilly was different from all the other kids; while they played games and talked about boys, Lilly had dreams, she had not been born as girl, but she dreamed of being one.
After many long years of confusion and sadness, Lilly had finally gathered the courage to tell her parents that she was a transgender girl.
On a sunny afternoon, Lilly sat with her mother and father in their cosy living room, her heart was racing as she looked to them, her eyes hopeful “Mum” she said hesitantly “Dad…” she turned her gaze back and forth between them “I have something important to tell you” she said, her voice was shaking
There was a grave exchange of glances between them. “What is it, sweetheart?” her mother inquired with an air of concern.
“I am not the boy you think I am,” Lilly said, her voice trembling as her eyes glistened with unshed tears. She felt a rush of fear tightening within her. “I am a girl,” she finally confessed, the tears that had threatened to spill now cascading down her cheeks. “I want to be called Lilly, and I want to live as a girl.”
There was a heavy silence that seemed to stretch on for hours; when words were finally spoken, they came from her father as he leaned forward, scrutinizing Lilly intently. “This is a significant surprise,” he stated, his voice filled with reluctance. “We need time to comprehend this situation.”
Lilly felt waves of fear washing over her, deeply worried that she might never find acceptance. Yet, with each passing day, she looked in the mirror, striving to see the girl she truly was inside. She began to let her long hair flow freely and chose to dress in the brightly colored clothes that brought her joy.
However, the next challenge loomed ahead—attending school. The thought made her anxious and apprehensive, yet her determination burned brightly. She yearned to embrace her authentic self, vowing to no longer hide the person she knew she truly was.
On the first day back to school, now as Lilly; she walked through the hallway, she held her head high, though she felt her heart thumping loudly against her chest.
As she entered the classroom, a mix of excitement and trepidation washed over her; her best friend, Sarah, was waiting, though there was an air of uncertainty about her. “Hey, Lilly,” she said with a somewhat forced smile, trying too hard to project support. “You look great,” she added, but Lilly could clearly see the doubt lurking behind her cheerful facade.
The day unfolded with a gentle slowness; while the majority of her classmates offered their support, a few were unkind, whispering and pointing. A group of boys laughed and cruelly shouted, “Look at the Freak!” Each taunt felt like a heavy stone, plunging Lilly’s heart into despair, reminding her how hurtful words can weigh so heavily on someone’s spirit.
After school, Lilly hurried home in tears; as she darted to her room, she collapsed onto her bed. Moments later, her mother softly knocked on the door before entering. “Sweetheart, what’s troubling you?” she asked gently, concern evident in her voice.
“They made fun of me today, Mum,” Lilly sobbed, her voice trembling with sadness. “I just want to be accepted and to feel like I belong.”
Sitting down beside her on the bed, she pulled her in to a gentle hug “I’m sorry Lilly; some people just don’t understand” she told her “But we will get through this together; we love you, no matter what”
With her mothers love, the support of her father; Lilly felt a little better, but she knew that the next day would be just as hard; as she lay on the bed that night, she promised herself she would stand tall; even when things got difficult.
The following day, with shaking hands; Lilly decided to speak with her teacher, Mrs Johnson about what was happening, she felt nervous as she entered the classroom “Mrs Johnson” she said hesitantly “Can I talk to you for a minute” she asked, her voice was rather quiet, timid
“Of course” Mrs Johnson replied; her kind eyes watched her closely, she listened as Lilly recounted the bullying, much to Lilly surprise, Mrs Johnson was listening intently to everything that was said, once Lilly finished speaking, she slowly nodded her head “Thank you for sharing this Lilly” she said with a kind smile “I will speak with the class about respecting one another; everyone deserves to feel safe and accepted”
The following day, Mrs. Johnson conducted a special class in which she articulated the significance of kindness and understanding. The atmosphere in the room was solemn, with many students appearing contemplative about the message being conveyed; it was evident that her words resonated deeply with several of them.
At the conclusion of the class, a girl named Jessica approached Lilly. “I didn’t fully grasp your experience,” Jessica said quietly. “I apologize for any hurtful comments I made previously; perhaps we could consider a friendship,” she proposed with a tentative smile.
Lilly felt a spark of hope “That would be nice” she said with a shy smile
As the days passed, more students started to reach out, some apologised for their bullying, while other simply wanted to know more about her; while bully still happened, it seemed to lessen and Lilly began to feel a sense of belonging.
While changes occurred, the group of boys who had previously labeled Lilly as a ‘Freak’ persisted in their behaviour. They regularly ridiculed her, and one day during the break, they confronted her, one of them shouting, “Why are you trying to be a girl?” This quickly attracted attention. “You were born a boy!”
Lilly gazed at the boy with fierce determination, her heart racing; “I am a girl!” she declared, her voice ringing with conviction. “Just because I was born in a different body doesn’t alter the essence of who I am!” she shouted, her own bravery taking her by surprise.
While the boys laughed and walked away; Lilly didn’t feel as defeated this time; she felt proud of herself for speaking the truth.
At home, Lilly’s parents saw the changes happening, her father began to get a better understanding, and with better understanding came unwavering support during their family dinners; they would often speak of life, dreams and the struggles people faced “How about” he began, a smile crept on his face “We go and attend the pride festival next month”
“Really” Lilly said with a surprised tone “You want to go?” she asked with wide excitement
“Of course” her mother chimed “We want to support you” she told her with a wide smile
On the day of the festival, Lilly could barely contain her excitement, families and friends gathered to celebrate live and acceptance; Lilly had decided to wear a bright rainbow dress; she felt amazing to wear it, and her parents would walk proudly beside her.
At the festival Lilly would meet many new friends that also identified within the LGBTQ community; they played games, listened to music and shared stories, for the first time, Lilly truly felt free, she realised there were so many people who loved and accepted her for who she was.
As the sun began to set that day, a young girl named Mia approached Lilly and she smiled warmly “You are amazing” she said, her eyes shined “You inspire me to be myself”
Lilly smiled, her heart swelled with happiness; she knew that her struggle was not in vain, she faced hardship and bully; but she also found acceptance and friendship; she believed that every day, she would become the girl she knew she was meant to be.
Written By: Westley H.
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