For a long time, I didn't recognize myself.

I would look in the mirror and see another version of myself what I wore, how I acted, what job I wanted.

I followed the script. I got the degree, the 9-to-5 job, and the relationship that looked good on paper. But inside, I was gradually fading away.

One day, I was over it all; I just needed to feel something real.

That's when I promised myself: I would start choosing what felt right, not just what looked right.

It's still messy. But now, at least, when I look in the mirror, I see myself.

But choosing to be yourself, especially when it doesn't conform to your society's expectations, has a price.

I stopped pretending. I stopped blindly following. And eventually, even staying was no longer legal.

It wasn't because of the war my country was safe.

The streets are quiet. The buildings are standing.

But the war was inside me.

It was a war between who I was told to be and who I actually was.

There, people left because of the bombs. I left because of the silence.

Because I couldn't continue hiding. Because I knew deep down that my community and my country would never understand me.

I didn't leave with a group; I left alone.

Even here, where I feel free, it's not always easy.

The locals don't know me. And I don't fit their expectations either.

Everyone wants to put me in a box.

But I've spent my whole life trying to break out of it.

People say, "Why did you leave? There's no war in your country."

But not all wars are loud. Some are subtle.

And sometimes, peace outside doesn't mean peace inside.

And now, I'm still searching for a community—not one that tolerates me, but one that sees me.

Maybe that community still exists.

And maybe if you're open it can start with you!!