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Last night, a friend and I went to the Walker Art Museum. As we were walking around looking at the different installations, there was a young, biological male dressed in feminine clothes… a black dress, earrings, a purse, nice shoes (clothes that I PERCEIVE as feminine… maybe I am wrong in making this distinction). What I MOST noticed about this young person was that the nonverbal communication was clearly stating feeling VERY uncomfortable, miserable, and NOT welcomed in this space and their own personal space as well. Shoulders were hunched over. Head not raised. Not looking at anyone in the museum. Could barely speak, “Excuse me” when we were in the hallway trying to pass each other but did a little dance for a time instead.

I appreciate this person’s bravery. I definitely appreciate their effort to live out their own “truth”, whatever that might be… but I worry also. This young person was “suffering.” Maybe I am wrong. Maybe I am misinterpreting everything about this and this person is thriving in their own way. I admit I may be wrong, but I have this question. When is bravery/courage NOT worth it? When does being “true to ourselves” cause more damage than good? Should bravery in this life cause misery?