My little brother’s friend group is all gay or trans except one kid, and I’m their gay AND trans chaufer to dnd and guys let me tell you
My brother’s friend James came out as trans and changed his name bc my brother so aggressively defends my pronouns in front of them all. One of the other boys was there for James coming out and wanted James to know that this other boy definitely still had a crush on him, so he just blurts out GUYS I’M BI. There’s a beat. Then this guy Phoenix chimes in saying he prefers pansexuality as a label bc it’s more inclusive. Other boy jokes about how the whole friend group is gay, and get this THE STRAIGHT KID HAD TO COME OUT!!! My little brother and I are both kind of autistic in different ways and he has a harder time than me, but holy shit. He’s thirteen and DIDN’T have to come out to any of his friends but has been telling them about the boy he has a crush and girls he thinks are cute and it’s just so nice. I can’t imagine being thirteen and finding that. And it’s all because he’s so insistent on sticking up for me. I’m crying hold on.
I know things are bleak and visibility is dangerous to so many people, but for all I’ve faced, maybe these five thirteen year olds will have it a little better. Maybe the world will get a little better. Idk