“Her smile just shined and I couldn’t help but think ‘gee, this is what she looks like happy.’ It was a revelation.”

Sylvester & Trianna | Tacoma

“When something as basic as your gender is out of sync, it is all you can think about.”

Everett | Walla Walla

“In the rare instance that I do have a bad day, it makes me feel empowered to know that the law is on my side.”

Cheryl | Gig Harbor

“It was on a September evening when my 4 ½ year old turned to me and whispered, ‘Mommy, why did God make me a boy? I’m really a girl.'”

Meghan & Maya | Federal Way

“As a parent, your first instinct is always to defend your child—even if internally, the conversation you’re having is much different.”

Betsy | Spokane

“‘We love you for who you are and all that matters is that you have a good life,’ my mom told me.”

Briana | Lakewood

“I’m lucky to work with a supportive group of people, but not all transgender Washingtonians do.”

Jason | Seattle

“Even though I started to become more comfortable in my body, my guitar began to feel like a phantom limb.”

Claire | Seattle

“It was my turn to learn the lesson that people can surprise you if you keep your heart open.”

Jaymi | Des Moines

“Our home serves as a reminder that sisterhood is stronger than the abuse and prejudice.”

Amy | Seattle

“Despite living a life that appeared complete, something was always missing. I knew I wasn’t being true to myself.”

Clark | Mercer Island