Kris, United Kingdom (he/him)

“Gay relationships between men made me realise I wanted to be a man who was gay and in love with another man.“

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

Honestly, it was gay men. Gay relationships between men made me realise I wanted to be a man who was gay and in love with another man. I was about 10, then I came out when I was 12.

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

I cut my hair short, I started going by a different name even though I later changed it but I'm still obviously trans. I stopped wearing girls uniforms to school and I only wore the boys uniforms, I started going to the boys P.E class and I had my name changed on the school register.

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

Yes, although currently my hair is longer and I'm unsure of what to do with it. I'm enquiring about private hormone healthcare with a few clinics because my desperation to start testosterone is growing. Under the NHS my gender is marked as male so that helps.

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

Keep going. Keep enforcing your identity to those around you. Don't back down, don't socially detransition. Keep pushing and keep fighting.

Do you have a favorite/funny transition moment?

No, unfortunately it's not been "funny" for me. The euphoria you do feel is amazing, the road is just difficult.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

I'm currently homeless and jobless due to my trans identity, I'm 19 and trying incredibly hard to get a job, pay for my hormones and find an apartment. But I'm alright, I'm free from any transphobic abuse and I know it's only up from here. I will never stop fighting, even when I feel defeated.

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

Yes.