Cass, United States (he/they)

“I never knew how great it would be to hear someone I love learn to use my correct pronouns."

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

I first remember hearing someone using they/them pronouns for themself when I was in college. Fast forward a few years to 29, when I was helping with a work project and I discovered the term nonbinary. It felt like a lightbulb had gone off in my head, like everything made sense. As I continued on my journey, I later discovered and started using the term transmasculine and everything became that much clearer.

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

I started using they/them pronouns - first interchangeably, then solely, and now interchangeably again with he/him, at 30. I also started using my chosen name around that time. And after years of talking it over with my therapist and others, I started low-dose testosterone almost four years ago when I was 31.

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

Oh absolutely! I am so grateful to have received little to no pushback in my quest to live as my truly authentic self. I never knew how great it would be to hear someone I love learn to use my correct pronouns.

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

You are precious and wonderful as you are. You do not need to prove anything to anyone. And to the college kid who was intrigued when hearing your friend use they/them for themself, there's a reason for that. :)

As for doing anything differently, I would have taken the chance to get on hormones sooner.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

I live in what many call a Trans Refuge state in the US (shoutout to Minnesota). I do not take the amount of privilege I have as a nonbinary transmasculine black mixed Latinx person of color lightly. I just wish that everyone was able to live as fully and open as I have been able to.

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

Yes.