I never wanted to be pretty. But I've wanted to be loved. I never wanted to be ****. But I've wanted to be important. I never wanted to be hot. But I've wanted to be happy. I never asked to be beautiful. But I remember asking to be smart. I never asked to be a female. But I remember asking for respect. I never asked for stranger’s opinions. But I have asked for equality. I never asked for ******* pictures. But I have asked for understanding. I never knew my gender meant ‘object’. But I know what it feels like to be objectified. I never knew that being female made me weak. But I know I was always told I “hit like a man.” I never knew ** somehow meant stupid. But I know that ‘gender role’ for me, means submit. I never liked not being heard by the guys when debating. But I know how it feels to rarely be taken seriously. I never enjoyed getting razor burn when shaving. But I know what it's like to wear pants during summer. I never wanted to hear what you'd do to my body. But I remember my ex ignoring me when I said it hurt. I never wanted to be sexualized. But I remember being told I wasn't **** enough to be confident. I never wanted to be a man’s property. But I know I never wanted to change my last name. I never wanted to be treated like I'm not worth basic rights. Honestly, I only ever wanted to be treated like I'm human.