April 2, ‘20 post on FB

When your friends lead by example in humbleness, love, imperfection, transparency, empathy, courage, and so much more…. The following was written by my pal, Aaron Reddin (founder/director of The Van)

Tuesday was the International Transgender Day of Visibility. I wanted to say something on that day but I struggled to know what to say.

I don’t always get things right and often need educated, but I want to always be an ally. I have quite a few dear friends who are trans. We have regular donors who are trans. We do business with trans people. I have very dear friends who have trans kids. I see all y’all.

I appreciate your patience with us cishetbillies who grew up where this is rare or never open. Some of us were raised on things like bigotry and racism and have to unlearn them. Thanks for teaching us when we don’t know. Thanks for forgiving us when we misunderstand. Thanks for having grace when we get it all wrong.

Thank you for being unapologetically you. Respect for all you went through to get there and all you still find the resolve to put up with everyday. Strength if you’re still moving that direction.

- Aaron Reddin, The Van / The One Inc.