For Transgender Day of Visibility, we asked Hoosiers to write messages of hope and affirmation to trans youth in Indiana to let them know they are loved and supported. Here's what you said.

We see you. We love you. We will keep fighting for you.

-Amanda, Fort Wayne

Hello from Southern Indiana, where we will celebrate Transgender Day of Visibility. You’re amazing and worthy of love, respect, and an endless amount of joy. Take care of yourself the best that you can, and look for community to lift you up when you need help.

-Sarah, Bloomington

I'm writing you in honor of Transgender Day of Visibility to let you know that you are not alone. I am a lesbian school-based nurse practitioner and I want you to know I am fighting for your rights everyday! I have 700 kindergarten through 8th grade students I care for. I work to make my school clinic a safe and inclusive space. I hope there is a place like that for you too. If there is not now, know there are adults who care deeply about you and are fighting to make spaces like this common place. You deserve to feel safe, welcome, and valued- especially at school. Even if things are scary right now, I believe that transgender youth deserve to live full, equal lives as their authentic selves. I've got your back and will never stop fighting for your right to a happy, healthy, authentic life!

-Alli, Indianapolis

I am a transgender person myself. As scary as being transgender can be, I’m proud of who I am. We are so strong and we can get through any obstacles put in our way. You are valid and you are not alone.

-Cyrus, Lafayette

Sending love, support, and strength to our state's youth. Watching my own son go through the discrimination by fellow youth and adults alike, even members of the religious community, it simply has hurt my soul. I will stand beside every one of you in support of who YOU are, ALWAYS. Stay true to you little one <3 <3 <3 Love Always, Ms. Westhafer
! Proud Transgender Youth Family in Southern Indiana !

-Brittany, Paoli

You were created with a fingerprint that cannot be duplicated. You are a one of a kind masterpiece. Live in your truth, as loudly as you desire. Be who you are, because the world needs to experience all that is placed within you. When others try to dim your light, choose to increase your watts. I love you just the way you are!

-Caryl, Indianapolis

I'm writing you in honor of Transgender Day of Visibility to let you know that you are not alone. Even though things are scary right now, I believe that transgender youth deserve to live full, equal lives as their authentic selves. I've got your back.
I hope you see yourself for the inspiring, courageous, strong person you truly are.
I see you. I stand with you. You are loved.

-Ashley, Valparaiso

I love you and I am so proud of you. This world is a better place because you are in it. I am so thankful you exist, and will continue to stand with you and fight for you.

-Crystal, Indianapolis

I'm writing you in honor of Transgender Day of Visibility to let you know that you are not alone. Even if things are scary right now, I believe that transgender youth deserve to live full, equal lives as their authentic selves. I've got your back. Always believe in yourself and be true to your authentic self. Be proud of who you are. There are countless allies like myself who have your back.

-Andrew, Columbus

My message is simple and to the point: YOU MATTER. YOU ARE LOVED. YOU DESERVE TO BE HAPPY AND TO HAVE A HAPPY LIFE.

-Mike, Speedway

Trans kids, I love you all. I care for you like I would my own children. You are all family. I know things are scary right now. I will do everything in my power to fight tooth and nail for and alongside you. You don't deserve any of this stuff going on. You deserve to live normal lives. I'm in this fight. As an adult transwoman myself this deeply hurts me too. You are all doing an amazing job. Keep being you. I'll be thinking of you. Hugs. Love and light!

-Jenna, Spring Valley

Hey there. I am an ally. You have many on this planet. I respect you as a human and as someone who is moving through a world that shows a lot of hostility toward people who are just trying to be who they are. You are loved. You are lovable.

-Anonymous

Thank you for being perfect exactly as you are. When things are scary or hard, know that we have your back. Today, I celebrate your beauty and bravery. Keep shining bright.

-Anne, Indianapolis

I wanted to remind you that you are loved. Also I will always be fighting to make your world a better place. Please take care and please be kind to yourselves.

-Eric, Anderson

I'm writing you in honor of Transgender Day of Visibility to let you know that you are not alone. Even if things are scary right now, I believe that transgender youth deserve to live full, equal lives as their authentic selves. I've got your back.

-Emily, Indianapolis

You are not alone! There are tons of us out here supporting you, and pushing anti-trans people out. Shine on, lovely human!

-Kathy, Indianapolis 

You are amazing just the way you are. You will find your way and your path, but know that there are cis people like me who love and support you. Sending love and light and hope!

-Naomi, Crawfordsville

Hey there, kid! Just want you to know that your gender is just a part of who you are...but ALL of you is loved! Growing up is hard, and you have things even harder, but the older you get, the better things get! So, picture your future self happy and know that I'm here to help you along the way.

-Julie, Greenwood

On this Transgender Day of Visibility, I want you to know that you are special, you are loved, and you belong as a full member of our Hoosier community. Things may seem scary right now, with all the legislation attacking LGBTQ people, but I am just one of many who will stand beside you. You deserve the chance to live a full, equal and fulfilling life, embracing your true self. (And while we celebrate Visibility today, know that even if it isn’t safe for you to be out yet, your identity is still valid and I’m wishing for safe and supportive people to surround you.)

-Carissa, Indianapolis

I know this may seem hopeless, and you may feel disheartened, but do not despair. We cannot give up, it will be hard, but we are united and strong enough to beat this. You got this!

-Dakoda, Cottage Grove

The Startup Ladies LOVE our transgender members. Their business acumen and ability to make others feel welcome makes them incredible leaders. We need more transgender founders and funders in the startup ecosystem.

-Kristen Cooper, CEO & Founder, The Startup Ladies

I have a BIG family and every last one of us supports you. We raise money to help charities fight for your rights. We go to rallies and shout our support. We educate people about gender. We lobby our elected officials to stand up for what's right. We do this because you deserve to live a joyful authentic life, just like anyone else. Know that we love and support you!!

-Jules, Logansport

You are loved. You are valued. You are worthy of all your wildest hopes and dreams, exactly as you are. There will always be people who want to bring you down, and your greatest accomplishment will be shining even brighter than they thought possible.

-Ryan, Chicago

You are beautiful the way you are. You are loved. We have your back. We’ll keep fighting for you.

-Meghan

You are not alone, my friend! We want you to know that we are by your side doing our part to make sure you can live a full life as your authentic self. We see you. We accept you. We love you.

-Ashley

I know that things are scary right now. You are being attacked by politicians simply for existing. But, know that there are so many people rooting for you! I am one of them! No matter what happens don’t stop being you because you are enough! Sending love and support from Atlantic Canada, Jan (mom to an amazing transgender son named Charlie)

-Jan

You matter. You are important. You are magic. Embrace who you are and be proud, because who you are is incredible! I am so sorry you have to deal with so much hate and ignorance. Please never forget that there are so many people who love you, support you, and who are fighting for you!

-Hayley

Dear Trans Youth,
I see you. You are beautiful. You are the light that will lead us into the future. Dim that light for no one. I am so proud of you. Thank you for being here, you are loved and cherished. Your trans family, including all us cis extended family, will be cheering for you. We see you.

-Kerri