Samson, United States (he/him)

“I feel so much more me, but I still have a long way to go."

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

I met a trans friend. She was so unapologetically herself. I had trouble imagining what she would be like if she never transitioned. It just made so much sense for her to be her. I said I didn’t really feel like a girl, and then I started crying.

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

First, I cut my hair. Then I bought new clothes. Then, I got a binder. It was weeks before I chose my name. And longer before I decided to share my name with people. I didn’t ask anyone to use new pronouns until I felt comfortable. It took a year before I was ready for testosterone. And two years before I had access to top surgery.

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

I feel so much more me, but I still have a long way to go. I feel like I can’t move back and its also hard to move forward.

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

Get the fuck out of Florida.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Your friends and family might be wrong.

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

Yes.