It shouldn’t be hard to do. We are all human. We all want the same things in life; love, happiness, acceptance, excitement, success, and the list goes on.

I always wondered how I would feel if one of my children came out as gay or transgender. I had no clue how things would change and it was worrisome. I knew I would still love them, of course, but had no idea if life as we knew it would change into something unfamiliar. In the world we live in today, it’s not hard to imagine the danger and hatred someone coming out might experience.

My children are not gay or transgender, but a very close family member has just come out as transgender, whom I will refer to as X. I can only hope everyone has been accepting and non-judgemental towards X; from what I have seen I think it’s been quite positive. X has family and friends who have been very supportive. I can’t imagine the difficulties this young person must have gone through, and how magnified that would have been without the support of friends and family!

In 2015 there were 21 transgender deaths. In 2016, 23 deaths were reported. Last year, 25 transgender deaths in this country! If that’s not bad enough, these people, THESE HUMAN BEINGS, were killed by acquaintances or partners, and some by total strangers! Over 2/3 of homicide victims are transgender women. Oh, and transgender people of color are 6 times more likely to experience police violence.

I don’t know about you, but this is unacceptable. We are all human beings. Some are thin, some are fat. Some have long hair, some are bald. Some are blond, some are brunette. Some are white, some are black. Some are gay, some are straight. Some are transgender. Get over it. These people have rights, just as anyone else. They are not animals and shouldn’t be treated as such.

How would you feel if it were your child? Your niece or nephew? Your cousin? If you would denounce them, then you don’t deserve them! Accept them for who they are. Treat them as you always did. Love them unconditionally.

Why should it be any different? Family is family. A true friend stands by a friend no matter what. Be supportive. Be kind.

It may take some time getting used to, and you may mess up pronouns and/or use the wrong name. It may even be a bit uncomfortable, but LEARN to ACCEPT and LOVE everyone for who they are.