Audrey lives in Salt Lake City, Utah—not exactly the most LGBTQ friendly state in the nation. This didn’t stop Audrey, who is a trans woman, from showing off her queer pride in an extremely visible way. She decided to fly the pink, blue, and white trans pride flag outside her home.
Imagine Audrey’s surprise when she found this note from a neighbor on her doorstep:
The text of the letter reads:
Neighbor – Thank you for having a trans flag waving in your yard. I am a 15-year-old trans boy living in an unsupportive household, but every time I see your flag, I feel better. I appreciate your existence and pride. THANK YOU.
With the endearing postscript:
P.S. My handwriting is so bad! I’m sorry!
Audrey told Pink News that she had complicated feelings about the experience:
I felt crushed that this teenager isn’t getting the support that they deserve, but I also felt truly inspired by them. It must have taken a lot of courage to write the note and drop it off on a stranger’s doorstep.
And many people shared those mixed feelings:
Unknown suffering is a terrible thing and something we all should be more aware of.
— beany United United nations love (@beany4317) September 6, 2018
Congratulations on being someone that is looked up to for silent support, you are mighty #LoveIsLove
— Kath Malone (@kath_malone) September 6, 2018
Good news on one front but sad news about his family not supporting him in his gender identity.
— andrew sykes (@seringapatam34) September 6, 2018
Others commended Audrey for choosing to make her queerness visible:
I also want to thank you for being brave and for being an example to everyone in the community in which you live. Thank you for showing your strength and for encouraging others to accept people exactly how they are. pic.twitter.com/7hzLIJuzSv
— @TracyHutchSgt (@tracyhutchsgt) September 6, 2018
“In the note, a 15-year-old transgender boy reveals that he lives in a home where he is not accepted, but every time he sees the woman’s flag, he feels supported.”
❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
This is how an ally can help ❤❤❤❤ https://t.co/vDkWhe5SfY
— Adam Smith (@Taxiboi3583) September 6, 2018
The visibility of other queer people can be so healing for those without the support they need from those closest to them. Thank you, Audrey, for choosing to be visible.