Meet Riley Thompson, a vibrant 14-year-old with stunning eyelashes and a spirit that can light up a room. But life hasn’t always been a walk in the park for Riley. As a transgender girl, she faced relentless bullying during her formative years. In a poignant video for the BULLY Project, Riley opens up about her journey, and the video is taking the internet by storm.
In her heartfelt message, Riley uses a series of flashcards to narrate her childhood experiences. She fondly recalls playing with dolls, painting her nails, and sneaking into her mom’s high heels. However, the joy of these activities was overshadowed by her fear of being judged outside her home, where she was assigned male at birth.
Challenges at School
School was tough for Riley. She struggled to make friends, feeling out of place among the girls, while the boys subjected her to cruel taunts. As time went on, the bullying escalated, leaving her in tears on many days. In a particularly low moment, a classmate even told her to end her life.
Recognizing the toll it was taking on their daughter, Riley’s parents made the brave decision to homeschool her, allowing her the freedom to be her true self. Unfortunately, bullying isn’t exclusive to kids; adults can be just as cruel. Riley recounts a time she went shopping with her mom, dressed in girl’s clothes, only to be met with judgmental stares and even someone taking her picture—a thoughtless act that left her feeling utterly alone.
A Turning Point
Everything changed when her mom introduced her to a video featuring transgender activist Jamie Collins. For the first time, Riley found a term to encapsulate her feelings. This pivotal moment led to a supportive therapist who specialized in transgender youth. With newfound confidence, Riley began her transition, starting hormone therapy on her 14th birthday.
Finding Her Place
Now thriving, Riley asked to return to public school, finding a welcoming environment where she plays on the girls’ soccer team and uses the girls’ restroom without fear. Despite her happiness, she remains acutely aware of the bullying she endured. She concludes her powerful message with the reminder that “bullying is never okay,” encouraging those currently suffering that change is possible and that they are loved.
Riley’s resilience and dedication to helping others is truly inspiring. Her story reminds us all that kindness and understanding can make a world of difference.
Additional Resources
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Summary
Riley Thompson, a 14-year-old transgender girl, shares her inspiring story of overcoming bullying in a viral video for the BULLY Project. After facing extreme challenges in school, she found her voice and transitioned with the support of her family and community. Now thriving in a supportive environment, Riley advocates against bullying, reminding others that hope and love prevail.