It's international pronouns day! OK, let's be honest about this for a moment then.

My pronouns are they/them. I don't make that obvious everywhere, because I am met with the idea that my gender is a myth, the same way I was told being bi is a myth - 20 years ago.

Every time someone calls me "she", it's like a papercut. It stings, but just a little. Over the course of days, weeks, years, that adds up.

But I haven't told my family. I haven't told one of my best friends (who is also non-binary!), bc I'm scared I'll be made mythical again.

My experiences with gender and sexuality are as real as a true believer's faith, real as love before you can even verbalise it, real as memories - and just as intangible, just as fragile, just as precious.

Please tread lightly, for you are treading on my dreams.