Lou, Switzerland (he/him)

“The past is history and already written down, I can only change the now."

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

I was 20 when the first thought came up. I already knew about trans people at that point but I just knew they existed, not how they felt or what it meant to be trans. I watched a video of people who reacted to trans memes and it felt close to home. They felt very relatable. But I somewhat denied it. Me trans? No.... What if I am..? I started experimenting first, coming out as nonbinary but that changed quickly. The acceptance came when I saw that you could put pronouns on Instagram and in lightning speed put he/him in. There was no hesitation just pure euphoria, realization, and acceptance.

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

I started making changes when I first came out I started dressing more masculine, cutting my hair. But not more. I was/still am in a very transphobic place, but there is light at the end of the tunnel. Soon I can start with T and quit this job! :D

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

I started to be happier, but besides that, I may have lost a few friends, honestly were they even friends to begin with? i got better friends now.

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

I would tell him that nothing will be easy but manageable. But that he should start working out, for more than one reason. But mostly I wouldn't do much differently maybe try and come out sooner and start T sooner but the past is history and already written down, I can only change the now.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

I'm still pre-t, so the huge changes are still waiting for me. I don't expect much I just hope I pass one day. Also, drink your water, please.

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

Yes.