Beau, Canada (he/him)

“There is good in every corner when you look for it."

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

It's okay to wait, but it's okay to start early too. you did the best you could

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

I knew I was trans at 14. I repressed feelings of being male and settled for being non-binary. It was the "safe" option. I remember meeting trans people who used he/him, who identified as men, and I remember being so shocked. Why would anyone want to be a man? You can be NB now, it's cool, and it's safer and way better than icky boys. I had sheltered and beaten down my feelings so much I was numb. I didn't realize I had become the bigot I swore so much I hated.

Finally, nearly ten years later, at 24 I came out as a man. I felt free, and for the first time I felt like I truly fit in. I didn't have to keep searching for the right box, label, identity. I was me. I got top surgery at age 26, and am hoping to start hormones at age 27. I'm not too late even though it took me this long to sort things out.

I found a loving church during this process too, and while I'm not very religious, I love the people there and how much we all support each other. There is good in every corner when you look for it.

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

Yes.