Leon, United Kingdom (he/him)

“Gender is a prison but being trans is a gift.”

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

Very gradually over a few years. When I was 15 I thought I was genderfluid, I experimented with they/them pronouns in my head, but I never told anyone and kept this in the back of my mind. At first I used the excuse of being too focused on passing my A levels to think about it, then it was about passing Uni, then it was about finding a job. I'd been aware of trans people since being a teen on the internet, and considered myself an ally, but I never consciously thought of myself as trans until lockdown happened, and I realised I couldn't distract myself from these thoughts anymore.

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

As soon as I could. I went to trans groups to meet others first, since I didn't know any other trans people. Some said they knew when they were younger but had been waiting 5 or 10 or 20 years for the 'right' moment to transition. All the love to those people, but I realised I couldn't live like that and needed to transition as quickly as possible or I would lose my mind. I got put on the GIC waiting list in 2021. I got my GP to give me a bridging prescription in 2022. I got my deedpoll in 2023. So far that's it but I'm hopeful to get top surgery soon.

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

YES! I actually feel like a person now. I like taking selfies. I don't cringe when I hear my voice in videos. I want to shop for clothes and figure out my style. I want to make friends. I want to try dating.

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

You're not a lesbian! you're a gay guy!

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Gender is a prison but being trans is a gift

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

Yes.