Rowan

For me, it was starting testosterone. I hadn't imagined I could "successfully pull off" being a trans man out in the real world because everyone would be able to tell I was "faking it." Listening to my own voice drop over the next few months was a huge game-changer. My personal style changed and evolved, I grew to love my voice, and I felt joy in my body for the first time ever.

Ongoing access to HRT, trans-competent mental health services, and a community (both online and IRL) of other trans folks have been invaluable to me. Knowing that there are other people out there like me, that I'm not broken or "bad at being a woman," help keep me on track and feeling supported. I have a loving partner who is also nonbinary, and the way we play with gender between the two of us is so lighthearted and fun in a way I never thought being trans could be.