LJ, United Kingdom (he/him)

“I had dysphoria, I just didn't know what it was and thought everyone had these thoughts about their bodies."

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

I think I had a sudden realisation to be honest. I have always been masculine all my life, never really had any sense of gender though. The first trans piece of media I saw was of Jazz Jennings, but this was when I was much younger. When I got older, I saw some people online who were trans and I just thought 'wow I think that could be me', and some months later it turned out that I was right! Before all of this, I had dysphoria, I just didn't know what it was and thought everyone had these thoughts about their bodies etc.

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

I started to use a new name and pronouns online, amongst trans friends. It felt really good and I'd urge others to do the same if you are early in your transition or trying to figure things out. I had already cut my hair short prior to that, about a month or 2 before. Then I came out to my irl friends, and it felt really good! They called me by my name and pronouns whilst others weren't around and they talked to me and asked lots of questions to learn about transness themselves. I started binding after this, as soon as I could get a binder. Then I went on testosterone about a year and a half after coming out to my parents.

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

Yes, absolutely. Binding helped massively, along with shorter hair, it made me way more confident.

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

Things will work out, I guess.

And, probably not. I don't regret anything I've done, however I do wish I figured it out sooner, and that I came out sooner.

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.