Alex Caciula

They/Them

20210412_163820

You Will:

You will learn how to love yourself. I know it's difficult now, and it will take a lot of work, but you will become someone you will be proud of. You will be okay, I promise.

You Are:

You are allowed to be yourself and not feel guilty about it. You are not too much to deal with, and you are not an inconvenience to this world. You are perfect just as you are, and there is no need to try to change, even if others make you feel that way.

Growing up in an immigrant and religious household, there was a lot of expectations to conform to a certain image. I felt like I had to play a role in order to please other people. They made me feel like my existence was too much to deal with, which destroyed my sense of self. It had a serious toll on my mental health, and it took me years of therapy to un-learn all the hatred. Even though things are still difficult, I can take pride in knowing who I am and feeling like I can be myself with no shame.

What will you tell your younger self?

#YOUWILLYOUARE

More Great #YouAreYouWill Stories

Help us make more great life stories.

Please consider supporting Friends of Ruby.

When you give to Friends of Ruby, you directly support essential services for LGBTQI2S youth. We provide meals, groceries, community programming, practical supports and mental health services.