Arthur, United States (he/him)

“I feel that I have become the man that young-me desperately wished I could be."

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

I always knew I was a boy. Before I was old enough for school, I asked my mother to call me a boy. I never heard the word "transgender" until I went to college in 2004. That's when I realized that I was trans.

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

As soon as I was old enough to choose my own clothes and hairstyle, I chose boyish clothes and short hair. I was considered a 'tomboy' by my parents. When I went to college and found out that I was not the only one, I came out as trans. This was the beginning of my social transition. I changed the name I was going by, bought more masculine clothes (rather than 'boyish' girl clothes), and I got men's haircuts instead of a girl's short cut. I began binding my chest not long after. I didn't begin T until I was 32 in 2018. I am 38 now in 2024 and I am getting top surgery next week.

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

Absolutely! Especially after starting T, I felt a huge boost in my confidence and self-love. Prior to taking T, I had severe anxiety and depression. I was having panic attacks every day. After T, my depression and anxiety disappeared. I needed fewer and fewer sick days at work. I became more successful in my job. I made friends. My life really opened up. As the years went on and testosterone did its work, I felt more and more like myself. I feel that I have become the man that young-me desperately wished I could be. Against all odds, my dream came true.

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

I would tell my younger self: "You're right. You are a boy." "You really are going to become a man one day. It isn't make believe." "You are a priceless human being." My journey has been different than others' journeys. Part of me wishes I had had the awareness, confidence, and resources to start my transition earlier. If I could change anything, that would be it. If I had any idea of how MUCH testosterone would positively affect my life, I would have started it years earlier.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

If there is someone out there reading this, wondering if they should take the difficult first steps, I want to encourage you to do it. It can be hard to begin, but it is worthwhile!

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

Yes.