"Light Leaf" by Ashante, 14 | October 2021

This leaf was the only leaf on this branch and it caught my attention because it was bright. It was so confident and wanted everyone to see it. This leaf reminds me that you should be confident no matter who you are and who you want to be. I have always struggled with gender dysphoria. I have always wanted to be a girl, but my body is a boy. I have not told anyone because I am scared what people will think about me and how they will feel. My mom has not supported me through the process of becoming a girl. I feel like I am all alone, just like this leaf on this tree branch. Yet I am still pushing, showing the world how confident I am and can be. I will keep pushing through.