Serafim, Finland (they/he)

“Stay strong, bros."

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

I suppose I accepted that I'm not who I was assigned at birth when I was 18. It was kind of a surrendering after a while of conflicting thoughts and feelings, like "okay, I get it. I guess I'm not that, but this".

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

I don't recall when I first got a "boyish" haircut, but when I accepted that I was transmasc, I started embracing my masculine side, that had always been there, more. Didn't do any dramatic changes, since I'd always preferred dressing and appearing masculine. Wonder why, lol.

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

Yes, especially the short hair. I have somewhat masculine features by nature, so I had been mistaken as a guy before I even came to the conclusion that I'm transmasc. Before the realization, being mistaken as a guy felt funny, not offensive but just amusing. But after, it's felt nice. Like wow, thanks, so true bestie, that's exactly who I am. Also after my conclusion that I am transmasc, I developed a burning love for baggy jeans (I'd already been wearing somewhat oversized hoodies and t-shirts before). Baggy jeans that make my figure more difficult to properly see, I guess, make me feel comfortable.

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

My current somewhat motto for myself: "I know best." It's kinda like that no matter what others think or perceive me as don't matter in the end, because it's only me that knows who and what I am.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

I love being transmasc, even if it comes with its struggles and all. I also love my fellow transmascs even more!!! Stay strong, bros.

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

Yes.