Dear High School Me,

Hi, buddy. Let me say this to you very plainly – “keep it up.”

I know that everything feels wrong right now – two clicks from the center, a different thought than those around you, a different perspective. The other boys on the soccer team don’t use the word, “honey,” when referring to each other and even though you didn’t know that was a problem until they told you, I want you to know that you’re never going to stop. You’re never going to get it right. You are two clicks from center and your thoughts and perspectives will never be the same as most of the folks around you.

You are Other. You are like Dracula, after he has sailed from Transylvania and taken up residence in England. You are all magick and shadow inside that flesh and those around you fear how wild and strong you are. For years you have been learning that this reality is a flimsy thing. You will continue to carve out a space for yourself. You will find those with whom this articulation of reality rubs wrong. You will always get it wrong, but that's okay because you will find other "wrong ones" and together y'all will make these new spaces in the fabric of reality. You will be a breath of fresh air for this stagnant universe. Y'all will create new definitions, or hell, space and identity that is the lack of definition.

This world and the foolish mortals that inhabit it may fear and revile you, but it is a brave new world of which you are a citizen. It will be hard but you are not alone. YOU ARE NOT ALONE. Your brothers, your sisters, your theysters will shoulder each burden with you. Y'all are inextricably knit, one heart to the other. I am so excited for the work that lays before you here in the south on the front lines of this fight. So excited, a little scared, and above all, I am so unbelievably proud of you, buddy.

Be bold. Be brave. Be unapologetic as you tear this reality apart at the seams and reform it. Let your warrior heart shine just as bright as you can stand. You are a creator. Expansion is your nature.

Now go. Destroy. Create. Expand. This world will be all the better for your presence and power.

Love eternally and darkest hexes,

Lavonia Elberton



