A person’s gender is valid regardless of where they are in transition. You do not need to “pass” as cisgender to be respected.

However, within LGBTQ culture, the trans community has historically faced a paradoxical struggle:

"You look like you're searching for something," Maya said, not looking up from a black-and-white photo of a 1970s protest.

Major LGBTQ organizations (GLAAD, The Trevor Project, Lambda Legal) have poured resources into fighting anti-trans legislation. Pride parades have seen massive turnout in support of trans youth, with signs reading "Protect Trans Kids" becoming as common as rainbow flags.