My short video portrays the complex relationship I have with my parents as a transgender teenager. The end poem is a direct call out to the fact that my parents fully know that I’m trans, yet every time it is brought up in a conversation, they act as if it’s their first time hearing it. The film is an invitation to a party that I’ve planned for too long – one that only my parents are invited to.
As I’m growing up and becoming more independent, I’ve struggled with being overwhelmed by school, my commitments, and my busy schedule. I know my parents want to help me but don’t always know how. I want them to know that, because of all the things they have taught me and the values they have instilled in me, I don’t necessarily need them to do things for me, hold my hand through everything, and physically fix my problems for me. However, sometimes what would help me the most is for them to listen and understand. Sometimes, when I feel overwhelmed, I just want them to let me know that I’m on the right path and that they are proud of me.
Teens need mental health support so they won’t feel alone
Something I wish my parents knew is that I often felt isolated and alienated during middle school. I wish my parents understood how difficult it was to fit in and adjust to a new school.
Generational Ignorance tells The story of how Parents of Gen-Z will often disregard their child’s mental health needs due to stereotypes. The Stereotype in question that we are “addicted to phones”. In the poem, I explain, yes, phones can be addictive, but more often than not, they can be an emotional outlet in a world with very few of them available for youth. I also wanted to bring awareness of how those in power will often pin the blame on younger generations with sensational news headlines and propaganda about gen-Z, with the sole purpose of profit, feeding into these misconceptions that parents of gen-Z will buy into and use against their children, instead of offering solutions to the declining mental health of the youth.
This poem is based on an experience I had last month when my earbuds broke, and I was left without music for a week. I remember how hopeless I felt without music playing and encouraging me to get through the day. I also remember how getting new headphones felt – I felt empowered as soon as I played music through them and as if I could take on anything.
My entry is a poetic journey through the complex and often challenging landscape of mental health. It begins in the quiet recesses of the mind, acknowledging the intricate and vast nature of one’s inner world. […] The poem concludes with a poignant call to embrace both the journey and the fight, acknowledging the resilience and beauty that can emerge even in the face of darkness.
Music can connect people or make us feel connected to others. Music can lift spirits, give us energy, and touch our souls, which in turn improves our mental health. My dad often sings a specific Chinese song from his childhood, whose title translates to “Spring in the North.” […] The song essentially talks about how spring is fleeting, arriving and then leaving quickly. […] This prompt immediately reminded me of my dad, and I have always connected with him through music because he loves to sing.
These Days states issues that people with poor mental health may face, and brings awareness to common feelings that we all might relate to at times in our life. It’s a struggle and constant cycle to break free of depression while trying to feel happiness a person once had. We feel that both composing and listening to music allows us to express ourselves with these emotions that we face.
“As a young closeted queer person, I often felt alone. However, once I finally got to high school, I saw all of these wonderful openly LGBTQ+ people who were happy to reach out their hand to me. They supported me as I came into my own identity and helped me gain the confidence to be out myself. Seeing them out and proud gave me such hope for the future.”