Fynn, United States (he/they)

“I've overcome so much by simply just resisting. Stay strong, you can get through it."

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

I was a couple months into 14 years old and it just kind of clicked one day. For months I had been experiencing dysphoria, particularly around my chest. I had known trans people existed, I had been watching trans youtubers for years, already knowing I was queer in some way. I just sat down and thought about it, and realized "Wow...I don't like being a girl. Must be trans."

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

I originally came out as nonbinary and not a trans man. I told my friends that I was nonbinary, and a few weeks after realizing I changed my pronouns to they/them. I got a haircut, started dressing in more masculine clothing, changed my name after maybe 6 months when I finally found one that suited me. After a while I was able to get a binder, which made my life so much easier. I was able to get men's underwear and used socks to pack nearly a year after realizing, being 15 at this point. In public I'd use gender neutral bathrooms whenever possible, but venturing into the men's bathroom a few times if I was feeling brave enough. After over a year of using they/them pronouns and identifying strictly as nonbinary, I came out as a trans man and switched my pronouns to he/they.

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

These changes were the best thing I could've done for myself. Wearing clothing that fits me better, cutting my hair, changing my name and pronouns, it has helped me so much. Presenting as a guy makes me happy. If I was still being called a girl and she/her every day, I don't know where I'd be mentally.

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

I would tell my younger self that he's transgender, that there is nothing wrong with being trans, and to just take his time and explore what feels right. I'd tell him that there will be challenges he'd face, that certain people wouldn't be accepting, but he'd also meet amazing friends and have amazing people there to support him through the whole thing. I honestly don't know what I'd do differently, I've done the best I could with the life I've been given and that's all I could ask for.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

I'm still pre t and pre op, as I am currently only 16. However, even though I'm still struggling with dysphoria every day, transitioning socially has been one of the best things I've done. It does get easier. Being trans is hard, it sucks, we have to deal with so much, due to our own dysphoria and a lot of our governments. But I'm proud to be trans. I'm proud to be a trans man. I've overcome so much by simply just resisting. Stay strong, you can get through it.

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

Yes.