D, United States (he/him)

“I'm about as comfortable with my body as I can get at this point. I feel more at home in my own skin."

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

I knew in some way when I was about 3 or 4.

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

I went through stages of wearing masculine clothing when I was young. I liked wearing cornrows. I went through a time in my teens trying to make myself more "girly" by wearing feminine hair, clothes and makeup. In my early 20s is when I really started wearing exclusively masculine clothes and hairstyle. I felt more myself again. I never changed back after that and within 5-6 years, I was able to start my transition, though not in the way I figured. I had a hysterectomy for for a health issue. With some much period dysphoria, I was beyond thrilled to have it. I also went by a male name at times.

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

I'm about as comfortable with my body as I can get at this point. I feel more at home in my own skin.

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

I would probably have not put myself through the time when I tried being feminine. I was a minority within a minority when I was young, so I tried to embrace my gender.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

I have now completed stage 1 of my bottom surgery as of April. I'm doing great and have been able to have my antidepressant dosages reduced. I am looking to completely stop one of them by the end of the year. I enjoy my quiet life with my wife and adult (step) son and pets. I am a medical professional. I am not out to anyone who didn't know me before, excluding physicians.

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

Yes.