I have a good friend who is a trans woman. I knew her before she transitioned about 10 years ago, had no idea. I haven't met her in person as Tanya, though we're in regular contact. Two things I noticed most about her transformation from Andre into Tanya: (1) she's happier than she's ever been and (2) she's the same kind, generous person I knew before. Why is that not enough for some people to accept the reality?

Weird, maybe. Hard for non-LGBTQ cis people to understand and relate to, yes. But that's our problem, not Tanya's. I'm happy I've been able to share in her journey, help out in small ways, and just accept her as she is.