"I want to say thank you and I want to apologize at the same time."

“Drag Race” Alum Peppermint Reflects On Childhood, Praises Younger Self For “Daring To Find [Her] Place”

This letter is part of our inaugural editorial series, “Letter to Myself,” in which we asked 40 remarkable queer people to write a note to their younger selves.

I want to say thank you and I want to apologize at the same time.

I want to say thank you for being brave enough to sacrifice yourself over and over again knowing that no one will be there to protect you. I want to say thank you for daring to find your place even though it meant you will be called names and attacked.

I want to apologize that I couldn’t protect you.

I want to apologize for waiting as long as I did to just sit and think about the reasons not to take the same types of risks that you took as a child. It may seem pointless at times, it may seem lonely, but please know that you are so essential.

Also, do not throw water on a grease fire. The scars still haven’t gone away.

Peppermint will be touring in Chicago and Australia in the coming weeks.

Read more letters here.