Quote by Adrienne Rich

I love the image of a strong trans or gender fluid person. I love the idea that you strong and can move mountains. I admire the strength and bravery they demonstrate simply living their lives in this unaccepting and stubborn world.

I love the image of a strong woman. I love the idea that we are strong and can move mountains. I admire the strength and bravery of those recovering from trauma and abuse.

But it is a burden to expect these folx to be strong all of the time. Even warriors need to cry because they are human and we all have moments where we need to break down and weep and to fall apart.

And we need a community in which it is safe to show how vulnerable we can be, that values that just as much as our strength. Because one does not negate the other.

In fact, allowing yourself time and space to fall apart, to cry, and to hurt, allows you to the mental and emotional space to then pick yourself back up and continue the fight.

To be a healthier and more welcoming society to those who are recovering, we need to hold space for both their fight and their pain.