Let me tell you bout my best friend —————————

Let me tell you bout my best friend
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The one constant in my life has been basketball. As a kid who struggled with her identity and thoughts of suicide, the basketball court was the one place I found solace. Basketball was my escape, my distraction, my salvation, and my passion. Instead of sleeping with a stuffed animal like most kids, I always had my basketball in my bed with me. If I wasn’t out playing somewhere, I was watching a game on tv while pretending I was hitting the game winner of the finals with a rolled up piece of paper I’d shoot at a trash can in the corner of my room.
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I often felt isolated and alone, struggling to make friends because I hated who I was and if it weren’t for competing in sports like basketball…I wouldn’t have had any friends at all. I’m thankful I began playing basketball because it truly saved my life. Sports are universal and bring us all together like few things can. They provide us with community, friendships, and bonds that can be hard to find in other places. Excluding trans youth from sports is dangerous because it further isolates those who already feel alienated from their peers. It’s estimated that nearly half of trans youth think about or attempt suicide. In a world that tells us we shouldn’t exist, the last thing we need is more isolation.
—————————————————There are currently 16 states that have introduced legislation attempting to ban trans youth from sports activities, another 12 that are trying to ban medical care for trans individuals, as well as a lawsuit in the state of Connecticut challenging the rights of trans student athletes. We need allies to stand with us. Let our youth know that you support and love them. We all deserve equality and the ability to live our best, authentic lives. Reach out to state representatives and demand equality for trans youth. Their lives depend on it! #protecttranskids #wearehere #translivesmatter #athlete #basketball #mybestfriend #myvalentine #sports #provide #community #transisbeautiful
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