I try to accept the possibility in the broader scheme of there being lots of other ways I could meet an untimely end. I could be stabbed for my phone or my money. I could be run off the road by a maniac driver. I could be hit by a stray bullet, meant for someone else. I could be blown up or run over in the next terrorist attack. Most of it just boils down to being in the wrong place at the wrong time, and that can happen to any of us.

That's not to play down the tragedy of trans murder. But too many people stay in their closets for the false perception of safety, when in fact they're living with much higher risks every single day. We all have to find that balance of risk vs reward, and if the price of being slightly safer is denying your identity, I think many trans people would tell you that they'll happily take that risk in order to be their authentic selves.

@NicoleCadmium very well put. My head already knew what you spelled out, but my gut still worries. Thanks for the encouraging pep talk!