Loving Yourself Protects You

Not the kind of protection you thought of either. The protection I want you to use is the kind that will make sure you, your body, and your life can be as safe as possible. The reality is that if people were using all the forms of protection available to them, then maybe we wouldn’t be losing so many beautiful trans women to hate crimes. Protection comes in all forms, here are a couple ways to protect yourself that are really simple and can still help you keep your private life, private, but safe.

Everyone runs multiple lives at the same time. Work, personal, public — and secret. It’s the secret life that you need to make sure you have safety nets in place for the most, but there is no aspect where you can be safe enough. It doesn’t matter if you are male or female, transgender or someone who just goes about life solo, it is in your best interest to always make sure someone knows where you are at or are going. You don’t have to tell them what you are doing or who you are with if you choose not to, but the more information you give someone the better. Trans women, your risk of experiencing hate crimes is high, disproportionately higher after factoring in skin tone.

Never meet anyone at their home the first time, especially if you are going to be alone. I know you know this, I also know that we all forget the rules when it comes to the things we want. Even if you sneak out and do things without the knowledge of others, you need to leave information behind just in case. A note saying an address, a phone number, something that can help if anything does happen.

If you are going to be in a situation that is intimate, it is important that you have already taken the appropriate steps to ensure your safety. Don’t think that love is blind enough to protect you from someone who feels deceived, especially in the heat of the moment. In most situations who you are is only our business, but in this circumstance, it is important that all parties involved be aware.

This is all true for all people really. Intimacy is intimate for a reason, and if you are acting responsibly and honest than your risks for harm are much less.

Of course, always use protection, you need to use birth control until you are sterile if you don’t want unwanted babies. Unplanned pregnancy can happen to all people, even if you are well into your HRT on either side, so condoms are still very necessary for more than stopping the spread of disease. Be vigilant in your own personal care and hygiene. You are the only one in complete control of your body.

Always remember that you have the right to change your mind in all situations you may find yourself in. Remember to love yourself. Loving yourself is the start of the best form of protection you have. Self esteem and self respect can carry you a long way. You’ll find that by finding the time to love yourself, you are less likely to find yourself in situations where you will have to be so concerned about your personal safety. Surround yourself with people who accept you for you, love you for you, and want you to be you. I know that is easier said than done. But we are out there. We do believe in you and we do want you to be the best person you are meant to be.

Always love you by protecting yourself.

Tags: featured, protection, security, self esteem

Category: Transgender Body & Soul, Transgender Opinion