Archer, United States (he/him)

“My life feels worth living now."

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

I was thirteen when I accepted that my desire to be male is ultimately irrepressible, and took on the transgender label. For years since beginning puberty, as the difference grew between my body and those of boys', I had felt severe anguish, grief, depression, and anger at developing more female sex characteristics. Any chance I had to feel like a male, through the means I had at the time, was when I felt at peace and happiest.

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

In the beginning I was rather private about it. I started working out, picked out a male name, got masculine haircuts, dressed in male clothes I liked, and so on. At fourteen I had the opportunity to see a therapist who diagnosed me with gender dysphoria and eventually referred me, along with my primary care doctor, to see an endocrinologist and begin hormone therapy at sixteen. Around that time I made it onto the waiting list for a surgeon to perform my chest masculinization surgery, who I will finally get to see this summer.

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

100%. Since transitioning, it doesn't hurt to look at myself like it used to. I feel at ease and happy with my body. I care enough to put effort into my health now, when before I was so overwhelmed with dysphoria and self hatred and shame I had let myself go. I don't feel the need to hide myself from the world anymore. My life feels worth living now. Without transitioning, the misery of my previous life would have killed me and I'm extremely glad to be where I am today.

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

I would tell my younger self about puberty blockers first and foremost if I could. I really do wish I had received help from a younger age with my doctor and my parents to prevent some of the permanent effects of female puberty, like height and pelvic widening. Barring that, I'd tell him to have some hope. As a kid I felt like I would be deeply miserable and unsatisfied forever, and just have to accept it. If I knew back then that I'd become the man I am now, it'd be the best news I could ever receive.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

In this day and age, and always, I hope people see the humanity in us trans people and empathize with the struggle of dysphoria. Being a trans person in 2025 is easier than being a trans person in previous times, and I hope things only keep getting better in the future. Trans people deserve the best shot at life, and I hope every last one reading this gets that.

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

Yes.