On this first day of what I aim to make as affirming and positive a pride month for all as possible, I want to take a second to address something very important to me and close to my heart.

Up until two months ago, I was afraid of being seen. I wasn't ready, and deeply envied those who were. Just because I'm now in a happier, more motivated place than I was just a few months ago, I won't act like I was never struggling.

I won't act like I was never confident in my own delusion that I was fine presenting as cis. That I could get by. This isn't easy and it never was.

I don't want to have the same effect on those who are still struggling on their journey, or who have yet to even learn that they have one ahead of them. Pride is for everyone - even those who are figuring things out.

So for those of you who feel left out of pride because you can't celebrate alongside everybody else: I see you, and you're valid too. It might not feel like it right now, but we're all here waiting for when that day might arrive.

Hopefully sometime soon, whenever you're ready.