Be Yourself

"Be yourself," they say.

They say it as if it's easy.

They say it as if they won't judge every aspect of your being if it does not match their values.

"Just be yourself."

"Be yourself," they say.

As gays are stoned and beaten for who they love.

As those who identify as someone trapped in a body not their own are bared from serving.

As shouts of "Love is Love" clash with "only if it is a man and a woman."

"Just be yourself."

"Be yourself," they say.

But do they consider those who can't.

But do they consider those children who are beaten into submission, into someone they do not want to be.

But do they consider those women who don't want to be themselves any longer for fear of the memories they want to escape.

"Just be yourself."

"Be yourself," they say.

To those with disabilities, who are refused equal access, adequate accommodations, and big enough parking spaces.

To those without a home, who are forgotten, pushed down, and spit on.

To those who cannot understand why they are bullied just because of their looks, their genetics, their brain.

To those who are just trying to survive, but no longer want to.

"Just be yourself."

"Be yourself," they say.

Judging you by your skin.

Judging you by your family.

Judging you by your past without consideration to how you've changed.

Judging you by what is in your pants.

Judging you by the uniform you wear.

Judging you by what you enjoy, dream of, and spend time doing.

Judging you by everything that makes you... you.

"Just be yourself."

"Be yourself," they say.

Without acceptance.

Without education.

Without recognition.

"Just be yourself."