Silas, United States

"I realized I couldn't live the rest of my life as a woman and lept fully into becoming a man. It's been blissful."

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

I was twenty one, just about to turn twenty two. I grew up with a mom who transitioned FtM when I was ten. I had questioned my own identity for years ever since. I briefly explored it in high school, but retreated back into repressing myself when it was ill-received by classmates. For the next few years, I refused to consider my gender again. Fear of further rejection held me back. I only fully realized and accepted myself as a trans man when I was about to turn twenty two. I realized I couldn't live the rest of my life as a woman and lept fully into becoming a man. It's been blissful.

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

I noticed a change in myself not long after I came out and began transitioning socially. I felt more myself. More confident, even though my dysphoria as failing to pass pre-T started to sink in. After starting T in July 2024, now two months on it, I've noticed so many incredible changes. Body hair. Some facial hair setting in. Bottom growth. My chest shrank, somehow, to be flatter. I felt and still feel so much more confident.

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

Absolutely. I feel like I wasn't truly alive until I came out and began taking T.

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

I would tell him to not be scared off by high school bullies—to keep his head held high and to commit to the transition. I wish he'd been kinder to himself.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

I've found love with the girl of my dreams. She's trans as well. We're engaged, set to be married next year. T4T love has been so healing ♡

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

Yes.