My name is John. I am 18. And I am ashamed to be trans. There is so much I have been through already, yet somehow I've managed to stay resilient. Despite this, I've come face to face with a 'demon' I can never seem to conquer. That demon is inner shame. It has stood in my way since childhood, and has only grown in size, presenting itself as impossible to overcome. But everyday I fight. Some days, I feel hopeless. And that feeling has been growing lately. But I also realize, no matter the support or hate I receive for being 'different,' it doesn't matter. Change is entirely in my hands. I'm just not sure if I'm strong enough for this one challenge. It's roots stem deep. All I know, is something needs to be done.