Morris, Finland (he/him)

“Before stumbling upon FTM timeline videos, I had no clue that being trans was even an option."

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

At around 11 years old, I started realizing that other “girls” who were going through puberty. Really didn't seem too concerned or bothered about the changes their bodies were going through.

Meanwhile there I was in full distress, in full distress without the ability to pinpoint exactly why. Due to this distress, I scoured the interwebs in an attempt to find answers. That’s when I stumbled upon transition FTM timeline videos.

I would spend whole days watching them and I finally had someone that I could completely relate to. Before stumbling upon these videos, I had no clue that being trans was even an option.

Once I made that discovery, the floodgates burst open and I have never looked back in the decades since.

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

I started socially transitioning both online and IRL, the day I found out what being trans was. Being allowed to cut my hair short took some convincing for my parents but I got there in the end.

Living abroad at the time of my coming out and being disabled, definitely delayed my medical transition due to gatekeeping and wanting to avoid going back and fourth between different doctors. But as of October 2024, I will officially be 2 years on testosterone and top surgery/ hysto are slowly approaching on the horizon.

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

They have made a world of a difference in my day to day life as well as confidence.

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

Get top surgery through private means to get it over with quickly instead of waiting an eternity to get it through the NHS.

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.