If...

If you’ve never stood where I stand; please don’t tell me which choices to make.

If you’ve never had to hide; please don’t tell me to come out.

If you’ve never known the pain I feel; please don’t tell me what it’s all about.

If you’ve never had to hope; please don’t tell me what I need.

If you’re not seeking at all; please don’t tell me which voice to heed.

If you think that this is a choice; please understand that you are wrong.

If you think that these needs are merely wants; please listen hard and long.

If you say you accept me; please understand today.

If you really want to know me then you’ll listen to what I say.

If you determine who and what I am — by your standards you define.

Then your beliefs about the person I am have superseded mine.

For if that one sad fact is only what you see as true…