AJ, United States (he/they)

“Whatever you do in life, do it for yourself.“

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

I was always a bit boyish. I hated dresses and wearing pink and was scoffed off as just being a tomboy and I'd grow into it. Well adulthood came and it still didn't feel right. The weirder thing? I liked feminine things now. But something felt off. I ended up one day saying to my partner, "Would you still love me if I was a guy?". There was no prompt, no reason to ask. It was then I realized that this wasn't a mere "would you still love me if I were a worm" moment. I truly wanted to be a man. I was 27 when I asked that question. It took me until 31 to finally say I am trans.

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

I started changes immediately. I got my hair cut the way I always wanted and started wearing men's clothes. It was nice because I also started a new job and used it as a reason to start anew as a transman. I started T shortly after starting my job.

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

Yes, a hundred percent. I finally felt comfortable with myself. No longer trying to fit the woman mold I clearly did not belong in. I was more confident and people around me noticed I was happier.

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

To my younger self, I'd say its okay. You are different and there is nothing wrong with that. I do not regret being a woman. It helped me learn things that made me a better man. And to my younger self, you will learn to love the color pink and other girly things. You'll just learn you love it as man.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Whatever you do in life, do it for yourself. Do not do it for anyone else and do not to do it for society. Be you, always and unforgiving.

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

Yes.