Milo, United States (he/they)

“I love when adults accept my identity, it makes me feel like I'm actually taken seriously.”

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

I always brushed my feeling about wanting to be trans, it wasn't bad in middle school, but when I hit sophomore year dysphoria hit me hard. before that I went by she/they, then they/she.. then any/all... then I quit and ditched the she pronoun, it was driving me insane. now I go by he/they (a nonbinary demiboy).

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

It took me a while, but my hair has been cut short for years and I have been layering sports bras for almost as long. I finally came out sophomore year, and I have felt great. I love hearing my name, my wanted name. Well, besides at my mom’s house. I doubt I'll ever get called Milo. My stepmom has been awesome about it though.

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

When I tried on my first binder, I almost cried tears of joy. It was one of the best things that has happened to me. Letting my body hair grow was almost just as good, but now my mom (knowing I'm a trans boy) forced me to shave. It makes me dysphoric and physically uncomfortable, but that's something else to ramble about. I love when adults accept my identity, it makes me feel like I'm actually taken seriously.

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

I would tell myself to stop loosing my binders. I lost two (I never loose clothes, so either I'm really stupid to my prized possessions or my mom took them).

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

I just found this site, seems awesome.

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

Yes.