When I disclose that I am trans and nonbinary, folks will often say to me: “I am learning.” Especially after I correct them for misgendering me or before they share their hot takes on “the whole nonbinary thing.” The truth is, we will always be learning...and that fact does not change the impact of our actions. I also often hear folks say something along the lines of: “you can’t get mad at me for messing up your pronouns. This is all so new.” (New to YOU.) If you accidentally hit someone, you wouldn’t be upset with them for expressing their pain. So allow trans and nonbinary people the space to feel their feelings when they’ve been hurt by you. We have been showing endless grace since the beginning of time. It is time you return the favor. I am not suggesting we should drown in our guilt when we make a mistake. But we must not to blame the folks we hurt for our feelings of remorse, and instead hold ourselves accountable and redirect those feelings into action. Making excuses creates a dynamic where the person harmed is prompted to console the person who hurt them. It’s best to put your energy into making sure it doesn’t happen again. We are on this journey together...and embracing this level of humility is a lesson that will change your life for the better.💕