Music is a form of loud and proud expression. As a transgender and queer person without an accepting family, I've always felt trapped, no matter where I went. When I began to play music in 2013, I was overwhelmed with passion. I was a young, closeted, and confused LGBTQ+ kid. Immediately after I began playing the flute, I refused to do anything that wasn't related to music, because it was my only form of escape and expression. When I came out in 2017, I was met with disapproval, confusion, and refusal from my close family and friends. For months, I had fallen into a deep depression and isolation. I questioned my identity and what it meant to be queer. I was limited in resources and accepting outlets, so I turned to music for comfort, security, and pride. At this point in my life, I had expanded my musical abilities by learning how to play the trombone, piccolo, and ukulele. Music wasn't only my passion anymore, it was my savior. Music became my greatest pride and loudest form of expression. I wasn't just a musician anymore, but a queer artist instead. I could share my experiences with other LGBTQ+ people and relate to them through my art, which is why I want to become a music teacher. I want to be the LGBTQ+ leader that I needed during my youth. I want to give the gift of music to any person who may need to let out their emotions. I want to teach people how to express themselves through musical art so that they can also have an outlet for open expression. Music was the acceptance that I needed when I came out. Music was the loving mother that I craved during my youth. Music was the passion that I needed to become the strong, courageous, and proud LGBTQ+ person that I am today, and nobody will ever be able to take that away from me.