Ally Kotetsu

Last night I met up with someone who had never met other MAPs before, but it wasn't just us, it was with my other friends too. Someone who felt alone a day ago now has friends that they can talk to about anything, people they can go to the bar with, or go to the park with, or whatever.

I've heard it said that loneliness is an epidemic in queer communities. All around the world there are queer people that are alone, and some don't have the luxury of local gay bars, or any level of acceptance at all. But it can change. Loneliness is created to kill queer people. I've had more than one acquaintance take their life since I've joined this community, and more attempt to. Something I think could've been prevented if they had community.

That's why my mission is so important to me, that's why I focus on community over trying to change public opinion by antis. We are building a network of people who can trust each other, love each other, and be their real selves to each other.

Community saves lives, builds happiness, and creates safety nets. If you're in danger but you have friends who are truly friends to the end, you have a place to stay for the night, or money for food.

I can't wait to continue to meet more people in my local community. We're building a network of people who all believe that queer rights should include paras and transid. Making true friends that will stick with each other, protect each other, and inspire each other.

I won't use this as a post to advertise my organization, but this is why I believe being a leader is my calling. Every time I come back from a meetup, I've met one more person who felt alone in some way, and it's shown me why what we're doing is so important. I remember being in that place not so long ago, and when I see people still there, it feels like my duty to get them out.

We are building true community, one person at a time.