I am a trans woman, and I volunteered to represent trans persons at today's pride service. I had been mulling over what to say, but I knew I wanted to relate to this song. I could have been angry, but chose not to be. I finished writing this five minutes before the service began.

One of my touchstone songs was written by the great theologian and reluctant rock n roll hall of famer, Todd Rundgren. Change Myself, off his Second Wind album. Sorry I'm not going to sing it, but I have a few quotes.

I want to change the world I want to make it well How can I change the world When I can't change myself Try again tomorrow

Trans persons, as well as the rest of our community are the current low hanging fruit, to the media. Since my surgery, I've become a media consumer. I don't watch direct sources, as I don't want to give these commenters the clicks. But I've seen enough to know that they will misdirect, beg the question, be willfully ignorant and quote from faulty studies. When Todd sings about conquering your Citadel, it's about our intellectual honesty, and what we show the world. We have to be better than the forces raised against us. They may call our Pride a sin, but our Pride is the antithesis of shame. Feel good and confident, not boastful.

We can break barriers, with our friends and allies and being the better people.

If I want more peace in the world Then I must make peace with myself If I want more trust in the world Then I've got to trust in myself If I want more love in the world I must show more love to myself

I view the song as a wish to be a better person, and also realizing that we will fall short.