From a very early age, I wasn’t able to relate to the flesh, muscle, cartilage, and bones that was a vessel for my soul. There was a disconnect when I looked in the mirror. It was as if I was looking through a portal in my skull out at the world, yet no one could see me. They knew me. I’ve always been me. But I was cloaked in the shadow of my physical form. MEET @COOLTRANSLUKE (HE/HIM) FULL QUOTE BELOW: "Being trans, we have been taught to believe we have a disorder. One that is merely defined by the fact that we are in the minority—Our minds don’t connect to our bodies. And although I feel I will be forever evolving and shifting in this human form, I’ve learned to be at peace in this present moment, knowing that it’s perfect to be imperfect. Here and now. And that growth can’t happen otherwise. If we aren’t growing, we are stunted. Stagnant. Landlocked and alone. The fact is, it’s not just aligning our minds and bodies, but also our hearts. I realized that with this experience, and that’s a gift no one can put a price on and no one can take away from me. With my new-found family, built upon our differences (not torn apart by them), I’ve been awakened from the inside out. And for them, I feel such immense strength, gratitude, and love. The truth is, life is an endless cycle of death and rebirth, connecting us all. So let go. Don’t chase perfection. Just make the most of the present (after all, it is a present!) and lead with love. Because in the end, we are all a reflection of ourselves." Photographers: @yosauceme @a_creative_photography Sponsors: @pacificabeauty @aclu_nationwide @adoreme - #pride #transpride #empowerment #community #selflove #selfcare #family