Alexander, United Kingdom (he/they)

“If I can do this, I’m sure you can. You got this, brother.”

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

I was 12 when I started exploring my gender. Very young, I know, but old friends mentioned something about transgender to me and I decided to look unto it. I know as a child I was very feminine but I explored the masculine side of things and found I quite preferred it.

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

I was outed a week after things started fitting into place, and came out to my parents a month or so after. I changed my name at 13 and cut my hair at 14. I wear boys uniform now and people try to get my pronouns correct.

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

The hair has helped a lot. I’m still quite young so I can't make any big changes until I’m older, and my parents are worried about big changes like medical stuff. I am slightly worried but I know eventually it'll work out.

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

I’d tell him to take his time. Even if he does get outed, he owes his identity to no one, especially not his old friends.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

If you’re trans youth like me reading this, chin up. If I can do this, I’m sure you can. You got this, brother.

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

Yes.