This came into focus yet again in February with the violent beating and death of Nex Benedict, a 16-year-old non-binary high school student from Owasso, Oklahoma. It served as a horrifying and a tragic reminder of how many attacks there are on transgender and non-binary young people in this country.

Across the country, our LGBTQ+ and non-binary youth are vulnerable to attacks from hateful extremists right now. The youth need to hear from us, from our community. They need to know they are seen, they are known, and they are loved.

The Human Rights Campaign invited our members and supporters to share words of love and support for LGBTQ+ and non-binary youth. We received hundreds of letters full of inspiring and affirming messages — some of which we share below.