Riley, United States (they/them)

“Now, after T (…), I'm finding comfort in becoming more feminine."

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

I was 19 and met a friend in college who was bigender. It was my first time meeting someone nonbinary and realizing that I didn't have to pick male or female.

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

Shortly after realizing I wasn't cis, I started doing small things like wearing a binder, cutting my hair, and trying different pronouns. I came out publically 6 months later, and had top surgery 1 year after coming out. I started testosterone at age 25.

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

Yes! I have never had a moment of regret from top surgery. Hormones were a harder decision, as a lot of my former identity was based around being a singer and I was scared of my voice changing, but I've grown to love the changes I've gotten.

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

No, I wouldn't do anything differently. I was a very feminine child, and I like that I grew up with that perspective. I feel it gives me a unique view on life. I'd tell younger me to just hang in there, it gets better.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

One thing I find interesting about my transition is how at first I heavily leaned into presenting masculine, desperately trying to stop getting called she/her. Now, after T and passing as male 100% of the time, I'm finding comfort in becoming more feminine. I love painting my nails, wearing women's clothes, and I've grown my hair out.

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

Yes.