Flynn, United States (they/them)

“Get off the internet and live a little.”

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

I realized that people could be trans around the age of 12, when I discovered I liked women (didn’t realize that I was bisexual until years later) and started learning about the queer community. When I was fourteen I heard the word nonbinary for the first time, when a friend (who I had a massive crush on) came out to me. I fell into a deep googling rabbit hole to find out if this described me too.

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

When I was 15, I started socially transitioning. I went by a new masculine leaning but neutral name, and they/them pronouns. I had some terrible mental health issues that I needed to work on before feeling stable enough to start my medical transition. At 19 I started testosterone, and I am currently 6 months on T. I just legally changed my name, and I also have a top surgery consultation scheduled for next week.

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

I feel like my name actually belongs to me, and like I can actually live again. I’ve recovered from Major Depressive Disorder, and I can now say confidently that I want to live a long life. It’s scary but possible for me again.

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

I would tell myself to hold on. I would also tell myself to get off the internet and live a little. And to hold your head high even stuck in a religion that wants you to keep your head down.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Sometimes surviving is the best you can do for yourself. It gives you time to heal and figure out your next steps forward. And once you’ve survived, you’ll find room to truly be yourself.

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

Yes.