Sometimes we queer people feel threatened too, as if our own identities are under attack, especially if we’ve struggled so hard for acceptance. I know tons of LGBTQ people who are very comfortable fighting for their own acceptance but who fear that other members of the queer family are so outside the pale that embracing them impedes progress.

But this fear is based on a lack of understanding.

The real problem we all face is rooted in abuse of power. If we don’t stand together united, we all stand to lose big. Minority sexual orientations and gender identities shouldn’t be a threat to anyone, after all.

We do best when we remind people that gender expression doesn’t hurt anyone, and that gender fluid people are our friends and family who deserve to be treated with dignity and love just like anyone else.

And if we don’t understand how it feels to be fluid? That’s OK! Dignity and love don’t require total understanding.