Tom, Finland (he/him)

“I knew trans women were a thing, but I didn't know about trans men."

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

I was 14 years old. I stumbled upon a Wikipedia page about transmen and it instantly clicked in my head. I thought to myself "I'm a girl that wants to be boy + trans men" I knew trans women were a thing, but I didn't know about trans men.

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

I came out to my parents when I was 15 years old. I got a haircut shortly after coming out and started wearing boyish clothes. I changed my name when I was 21 years old and gender marker as soon it became possible. I would love to get on T but can't because of mental health issues.

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

Yes.

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

You are still young and have a whole life ahead of you, you can become anything you want.

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.