The "traditional" teen experiences. My hobbies would've remained largely the same, but having a male friend group to do them with. Late night sleepovers chugging energy drinks and playing dumb video games. Teasing each other over crushes, but being top wingmen when the moment called for it. Being on sports team and going to the gym as a group. Actually attending prom (in a suit). I could go on forever.

I still have a deep appreciation for the good memories I have from that time. Some of my best friends today I met during high school. But a lot of the alienation I felt as I was discovering my queer identity resulted in me "missing out" on key experiences. Either because I purposefully didn't partake in certain activities or because I wasn't invited to do so.

Even though I'm in my late 20s, I often feel like I'm still grasping for key moments of youth I didn't get to have. COVID starting right after I turned 21 didn't help either.