Andrew, United States (he/they/it)

“There's no wrong way to be yourself. If you feel like a straight trans man, go for it. If you are a fem boy and want to be as gay as possible, fantastic. (…) Just be you and everything else will fall into place."

Was there a definitive moment you realized you were trans? How old were you?

I was 18 living with my half sister at the time when an HBO special was on TV about a trans man who was injecting T into his butt muscle. I had a really strange blend of emotions; shock, anger, disbelief. Not because I was offended, but because it was the first time I felt like I wasn't crazy for feeling like I should have been born a man.

How soon after did you start to make changes? What were these changes?

I had no idea being trans was an option growing up. I ended up coming out as trans later that year at 18. (11/3/2009)

Have these changes started to make you feel more comfortable in your life and body?

As a 35 year old man, I am wildly more comfortable in my body due to the changes I've made. I love the trans masc community I've found online and feel much more at home with myself now.

What would you tell your younger self? Would you do anything differently?

Do not let anyone talk you out of what brings you closer to yourself.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

There's no wrong way to be yourself. If you feel like a straight trans man, go for it. If you are a fem boy and want to be as gay as possible, fantastic. If you are a dude with changing interests, thoughts and feelings, that's valid too. Just be you and everything else will fall into place.

Have the gender-affirming steps you’ve taken impacted your overall happiness and sense of well-being?

Yes.