Three out of the four of my closest friends are queer women. They are all some of the most meaningful friendships I’ve had in my entire life.

I’ve struggled for most of my life because the people that usually surround me have always tried to make me be anything other who I am. When I’m talking to my close friends or queer women in general, I feel a lot more comfortable just being myself because they aren’t forcing me to be something else. I don’t feel the need to defend myself constantly. I can just be me.

In return, I treat them the same way too. They are free to be who they are. They seem to really appreciate it and let me know all the time.

Although not queer myself, I went to a queer halloween party last year simply to meet people. I ended up making friends with someone who happened to be going to the same concert as me the following the week. We’ve become such close and understanding friends since then. As I was saying bye to her this past weekend, she gave me a bone crushing hug and told me she loves me so much. Feels really amazing to have that kind of a friendship.

I’ve never experienced a closeness like that in all my life with non-queer men or women friends.