Jordan, United Kingdom (he/him)

“It's okay to be 'just' a trans man."

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

I was 14 when I first thought I might be non-binary. Looking back there were earlier signs but I started to come to the conclusion because I had dreams of not being a girl, and I liked it when other people emphasised my non-feminine features. I went on to identify as genderfluid, trigender, a demiboy and then finally as of about a month ago, a trans man.

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

I came out to my friends at 14, and my family at 15. For a while I stopped wearing dresses, then I started again, but then stopped again because I realised that dissociating myself from my body to wear clothes I thought were interesting was not ideal. I've been on nandrolone for nearly 3 months now, and I have had a binder basically since I started at uni.

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

Absolutely. I like my voice a lot better, and wearing a binder always makes me feel happier.

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

It's okay to be 'just' a trans man. You don't have to identify as a demiboy or have a they in your pronouns to make the contrast between your identity and the way you look more palatable for cis people. And just because something's cool and feels good in the moment it doesn't mean it works for you specifically. Also get a binder. Your parents will not notice.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

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

Yes.