I have been out as a trans woman for nearly 3 years now, and it has been a hard journey. I have friends who support me being who I am, but it’s still hard not having a supportive family,and therefore not having the ability to start estrogen to start transitioning properly and not just put on a guy act when I’m around my family so I don’t start drama. I was on estrogen for a few months when living with an ex, then had to stop after moving back in with my family after the breakup.

I’m thankful for my friends who support me regardless of my inability to pass as a woman, which makes me feel comfortable and safe with them because I don’t have to act, I can just… be me. People always say, “don’t let them force you back into the closet,” “be yourself regardless of how it affects them.” But they don’t know how it is to not be able to get a good job that pays enough to get your own place without having your own car, or even knowing how to drive, while also not having a diploma or GED. 

I would love to just express who I am around my family and in public in general, but it makes it even harder when I live in a red state. I have less access to things than most do, not to mention how hard it is to find physicians who are LGBTQIA+ friendly and supportive. 

I am so happy that I finally found out who I am after spending 16 or 17 years feeling different, not understanding why I was constantly having thoughts of what I would look like as a girl. Thank you to those who have supported me since the beginning and continue to love and care for me for who I am.