We're All People

Hey, friends! I know it has been a long time since I have posted on  tumblr. I have been so busy with law school. I am logged on because I need some support from this lovely community and group of humans.

I am approved for gender-affirming top surgery December 15, and I am planning ahead, getting everything in order so that I do not have deal with it during law school and I can just focus on my classes.

Anything is a huge help, and if you are not in a space to contribute any funds, know that sharing this helps! 

I love you all,

Ryley

“menstrual hygiene” not “feminine hygiene”

“they” not “he or she” “he/she” “(s)he” etc

“different gender” not “opposite gender”

“what pronouns do you prefer?” not “so what are you?”

Remember Emma Yang’s name — she has a bright future ahead of her (x)

When I was a child, from the time I was about four and could understand things, my mom told me and my brother that we should have a secret word. That way, if we were ever in trouble or felt unsafe and we didn’t want the people around us to know we needed her to come get us, we could let her know. So she let us pick the word and my brother and I chose the phrase “peanut butter cups.” (I’m happy to share the phrase now since both my brother and I are adults now). 

I used the phrase twice in my life. Once, I was at a friends house when I eight years old. Her dad got really drunk and was throwing things against the wall. I was really scared and I didn’t want to draw attention to myself on the phone when I called my mom to come get me because I didn’t know if he would get more violent if I asked her to come get me. So I called her and was calm and after a couple minutes I asked “Hey mommy, did you get me those peanut butter cups from the store?” And she said “I’ll be right there.” And she came and got me within minutes. 

Second, I was a teenager spending the night at a friends house. Her brother and dad were drinking and they started talking about things that made me uncomfortable - ie: what they liked to do to women. My friend didn’t seem perturbed and said that was normal for them and that I shouldn’t worry. But I was worried because they were really drunk and I was 15 and the only ‘woman’ around that wasn’t related to them. I went in my friends room, told her I needed to call my mom and say goodnight. Before I hung up with her I asked “Next time we go to the store, can we get some peanut butters cups? I’ve been craving them.” And she came and got me, just like that.