Jankity

[monologue, trans or gender nonconforming] 

We’re at a cultural moment right now where being gay or lesbian or bisexual is just starting to be ok. 

Being transgender, gender nonconforming, or genderqueer? We’re here like hi hello yes we exist everywhere and y’all still treat us like zoo animals. Interesting to look at, but you never want to get too close. 

It’s a lonely journey. I initially received such a warm reception, all these “You’re so brave”s and “good for you”s, but then something serious happens... and no one’s there. 

Who do I turn to when I feel like everyone is only friends with me because I’m the token trans kid? Diversity on this campus is a bullet point on a pamphlet. “Look at this queer person I’m on good terms with,” as if people are supposed to congratulate you or something. 

That’s what Colgate kids do. You use social justice as social capital. And it’s really fucked. 

I’ve heard from multiple people that they WANT to be supportive but they just don’t understand or they’re too afraid to ask questions. Like with strangers, I get that. But with friends and family, classmates, people I’m getting to know and learning to be vulnerable with, it could really help if yall could just say what you felt. It makes my life so much easier if people want to know; if they’re not bored by what I have to say. 

I want to be heard. But you all have to be willing to hear me. 

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Written by unknown, found in the 2020 script