Dear self,

Remember when you felt like you'd never have the courage to tell people? When you were sure that you'd never get through it, but then you did?

It's so strange how discovering that you were different seemed significantly stunting back then. It felt like there was no way anyone would possibly accept or love you. Fear, and uncertainty, and guilt, took up so much of your time and energy... But now you rarely think of that part of your life. It feels like it's been so long since you've felt like you had to be you plus something you weren't.

You finally stopped trying to measure your value and worth by the expectations of others and strove to earn approval from yourself.

You forgave yourself for all of the hurtful things your mind tormented you with when you felt the most alone.

You found true friendship and love.

You allowed yourself to be proud of being trans and of being gay.

Always remember to take the time to recognize and celebrate all that you are. I know it's easy to make excuses or worry about what you could've done better or sooner. It's easy to count your failures and shortcomings, rather than recount all your triumphs. But you owe it to yourself to be proud.

You became someone that other people were proud to know, regardless of the label you wore, because you learned to love who you are.

The hardest person to come out to ended up being yourself. But you did it.

And now you're at a place where you can encourage others, and that's pretty damn awesome.

So, even though there are sure to be a lot more ups and downs ahead, I want you to always remember that some days, just existing is precious. Your life is precious, and I don't ever again want you to apologize for being you or for being here. You belong.

You're allowed to love, and be happy, and be yourself. You didn't lose or disappoint anyone who truly loved you. And out of all of the people, in all of the countries, of all the planets, in all the galaxies, you're here... with all the possibilities and tools laid out before you.

I hope you never forget what you stand for. Live for those you love. Live for all those who came before you and fought to make the world a better place, and for those who'll come after. But most importantly, live for you.

There's no amount of prophetic prose or inspirational quotes in front of beautiful backdrops that can whisk away the fear and uncertainty of coming out...of bearing your truth to the world, or your friends and family, or even to the person staring back at you in the mirror. No amount of reassurances from loved ones or strangers, that can guarantee you'll always feel safe expressing openly who you are or who you love...

But coming out isn't the big finale. It's the real beginning. Your "I want" song. You claiming your freedom from the idea that you aren't deserving of compassion or empathy. It's finally being the author of your own story instead of allowing everyone else to write while you simply turn the pages.

So... What do you want on those blank pages? I'm sure they'll be filled with more hardships, more victories, and so much love. After all, you've already done the hardest part — taking the first step and writing it down.

Authors' Notes:

When I couldn't find the courage to speak my truth, I turned to something I knew I could always fall back on — writing. I sat down and ugly-cried as I typed my "coming out" message and hit "send" for my family and friends to see.

They responded with an overwhelming amount of love and encouragement, but the thing that surprised me the most was that they called me brave.

I hadn't felt very brave at the time.

But every day since has proven to me the importance of being and loving who you are, in whatever way that manifests. And having a moment of courage to write what I needed to be able to embrace about me, saved my life.

So, when Wattpad and Maybelline invited Nick and me to write an entry for their #BraveTogether write-a-thon, in celebration of National Coming Out Day, I couldn't have been more eager.

Whether it's time for you to leave your closet behind, or to encourage and support others who're still struggling, I hope you'll feel inspired to write your own letter.

Every write-a-thon entry using the hashtag #BraveTogether will generate a $1 donation to The Trevor Project, an organization dedicated to providing suicide prevention and crisis services for LGTBQ youth — which means you'll also be helping young members of the Lgbtq+ community in need by participating.

You've got this — and happy writing. <3

-Alix

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I've heard all too many times of people waiting for the right moment. Some dear friends died before it ever came. But the truth is, there is no 'right' moment. Only the moment that you pick to stop waiting and to act. No one can make you, and no one can stop you. It is squarely in your control to act or not.

So, I wanted to encourage anyone, whoever they are, whatever you're waiting for, to stop waiting. If this helps one person to stop waiting and to act on something they should do, then I'll be content.

-Nick