Hugo, Brazil (he/they)

“My body feels more like it belongs to me instead of being just a vessel that transports me.”

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

I have been in a state of questioning for many years starting at my young teens (14 years old) and ending when I was 22/23, when I accepted that I was transgender and started taking steps towards transitioning.

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

I was 22/23 when the changes started. They were slow at first, mostly focusing on the social aspects of transitioning. That involved changes of clothes, hairstyle, use of binders and packers. Then it progressed to the use of a different name in social settings. It progressed to having it recognized on my documents, then the eventual change of name and sex. Soon I began HRT with testosterone and am looking forward to both top and bottom surgeries.

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

Yes. I have been feeling much more comfortable existing and my body feels more like it belongs to me instead of being just a vessel that transports me.

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

I don't know what I would have told my younger self, but I have to say that sometimes I do regret not coming out sooner, despite being in very unsupportive environments almost all the time.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

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

Yes.