The transgender community has a long and storied history, with evidence of trans individuals and communities dating back to ancient civilizations. In the United States, the modern transgender rights movement began to take shape in the 1950s and 1960s, with activists like Christine Jorgensen and Marsha P. Johnson leading the way.

LGBTQ culture has always played with labels, but trans thinkers and artists have deepened our understanding of the difference between sex, gender, and sexuality. They have introduced concepts like non-binary, genderfluid, and agender, expanding the conversation from “who you love” to “who you are.” This has freed countless young people—gay, straight, or bi—from the confines of a rigid gender binary, allowing for a more nuanced, authentic self-expression.

One night, the karaoke machine was wheeled out. It was a terrible machine, skipping on any song recorded after 1995. Harold was singing a warbling, emotional version of “I Will Survive.” When he finished, he pointed a trembling finger at Kai.