Sirius, United Kingdom (he/him)

“You knew who you wanted to be; you became it."

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

I was actually pretty young. I knew I was born in the wrong body since I was 3 (when I knew the difference between me, and then my cis older brother).

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

Every day since I was around 3 years old I used to ask my dad “why am I not a boy?” And “I want to be a boy.”

When I was old enough to choose what I wanted to wear, I always chose more stereotypical masculine clothing (8+ years old).

At 12, I came out to my parents, finally knowing the word that described me: A trans guy.

At 15, I socially transitioned, changed my name legally. It all truly started from there.

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

Definitely!

Being an 8 year old who finally got to wear clothes that reflected who I wanted to be (no matter how stereotypical it was at the time) was a huge weight off my shoulders and a whole boost in my confidence.

Socially being able to transition at 15 was an even bigger weight lifted.

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

You knew who you wanted to be; you became it.

The only regret you’ll have is not telling your parents before the age of 12. If you did, you wouldn’t have had to deal with AFAB puberty.

But now you’re 21, you started T just before your 21st birthday, and now everything is smooth sailing!

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

I’ve recently started T this year (23/08/24) and it basically cured everything that I was told was “wrong” about myself. My mood is a lot more stable and I wouldn’t change it for the world.

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

Yes.