Sam, United Kingdom (he/him)

“Remember who you are and build up a network of the people who really support you.“

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

I realised later in life at the age of 32. I was watching a reality show and there was a trans woman on it. She was describing how when she was a little kid her mum came into her room and she just said "I'm not a boy." This brought back memories of my childhood when I insisted I get my hair cut at age 9 and started calling myself Sam and saying I'm a boy. Every so often I can't get the memory out of my head of 9 year old me being told that I wont be able to ride my bike around topless anymore because I would grow boobs. 32 year old me finally broke down crying and decided I needed to do something about this.

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

At 33 I started wearing a binder and saw a counsellor. I then changed my entire wardrobe to clothes from the men’s section. I got myself on the NHS waiting list and I finally got on T by going private.

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

Absolutely. I get more and more comfortable the longer I'm on T. It's only been 6 months so far, but the voice drop and the extra body hair makes me so happy and frustrated I didn't do this sooner.

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

Don't grow your hair out again. Just be you. You can be a boy, don't wear make up to fit in and obsess about straightening or curling your hair for school everyday.

Do you have a favorite/funny transition moment?

I was only about a few weeks on T and I took my 7 year old child to a routine hospital checkup. When a member of staff called my child's name she looked all confused at me and asked if I'm his brother. When I said I'm the parent it was funny. I'm 34

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Don't let other people get you down and beat you down mentally into detransitioning. It is tough, but we are all strong and can get through it. The constant misgendering makes me want to give up at times. Just remember who you are and build up a network of the people who really support you.

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

Yes.