Winter, United Kingdom (he/they/it)

“There's no one way to be trans, the quicker you realise that the happier you will be."

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

I started to realise when I was around 14, but I just assumed it was me being a tomboy and shrugged it off. I started more intensely questioning my identity when I was 17.

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

I came out publicly when I was 17, cut my hair short started binding and generally presenting more masculine. I started t a bit over a year later and am planning to get surgery soon.

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

I could never recognise myself before, I still struggle with things but now I'm a lot more confident and happy in my own skin. I can recognise myself in the mirror and enjoy watching my body change with t and age.

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

You're trans, it's gonna be worth it, I promise. You will feel better, things won't be like that forever.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Being trans is hard, but it's worth it to feel that sense of joy and community when you figure out there's other people like you. There's no one way to be trans, the quicker you realise that the happier you will be.

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

Yes.