Delivery! We have love letters, written just for you, from people who love you, purely because you’re you. The holidays can be some of the hardest times of the year for trans people. We hope these love letters from Autostraddle readers and friends help you feel less alone. Some of the letters have accompanying recordings, so you can hear the love through each person’s voice.

If you were touched by these letters, join us in writing a letter of your own—or recording one—and sending it to a trans person you love. Read the rest of the series here.

I look for you often wanting to offer you warm eyes, a loving smile and a gentle nod that says, “I see you.”

I look for you often wanting to offer you warm eyes, a loving smile and a gentle nod that says, “I see you.”

For me, building liberation is to build belonging. That is my commitment to you wherever I am, wherever I go. For I am crystal clear, when Black trans lives are centered and deeply cared for, the rest of us can consider our lives centered and deeply cared for too. What a win.

I continue to look for you…

— Shikira

Listen to Shikira’s Letter:

Dear family (my trans family),

It took more than 40 years, but I finally got to be happy. There is the darkness, we all have it, yet in 2016 the darkness finally left me. In 2016, after the passing of my last obstacle (my mothers passing), I took the first step to transition. I loved her dearly but sadly she was my last obstacle. The darkness is gone. The daily darkness has not once come back. Now, every day I feel joy about being alive, and about who I am. Many of us have obstacles, reasons to wait, reasons to hold off, but have faith in yourself. Even if you end up transitioning later in your life, the JOY you will experience will be worth the hardship. Have faith in yourself. Just take it one day at a time knowing your Joy will come. x

— Nanette, California

Listen to Nanette’s Letter:

I just started transitioning this year. I couldn’t have done it without those comfortable enough to be visible and vocal. A huge thank you to queer family, everywhere, and those who came before me. I’d like to be an inspiration to those who come after. Much love and strength.

— Alex

Listen to Alex’s Letter:

To the young trans people, like myself, you will find people who love you as you are. And to the older trans people, thank you for fighting for a better world. I know that fight isn’t over, but your progress has given me so much already.

— Kayla

​​Dear trans folks,

I am transgender and we are some of the kindest people I know. We come from all walks of life but we still manage to have the resilience to thrive in life. We should not have to feel fear or less than just for existing and being ourselves. We are worthy and deserving of peace, love, joy, prosperity, good health and wellness. We belong here. We are divine beings of light authentically expressing as ourselves. We need to walk in our truth as much as possible in order to truly be alive and experience life in its beauty and fullness.

I love all of you.

— JJ, Arizona

Listen to JJ’s Letter:

We belong here. We are divine beings of light authentically expressing as ourselves.

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