Devotion
Pride on the Page Day #20
Each of the mini-essays I’m publishing for the month of June are part of a creative challenge to share joy during Pride. You can find out more in the link below. You can even participate, if you’d like!
Wild Lion*esses Pride from Jay
20. Devotion
The first time I was called “brother” by another trans man I thought it was a mistake. He must have meant someone else. He must have misspoken.
He hadn’t. He meant me.
He meant to call me brother.
It is an affirmation between many of us, a recognition of those words we need to hear between us to orient our path in the world. It is a devotion, a gift we extend, a togetherness we ask for and receive.
He still calls me brother every day. We share brief messages from halfway across the world, in different time zones, with different lives, but with the same devotion to tie ourselves as one, as brothers.
Your trans friend,
Robin
It is an affirmation to be seen. It shouldn’t have ever been unexpected.
Robin, you didn’t hesitate, you named devotion through one small moment that carries everything. Being called brother—and receiving it—spoke of belonging more than any explanation ever could. You offer presence in few words. Every message, every naming, every act—lived devotion. Thank you for sharing this powerful message.