Ash K.

I was so uncomfortable in my own skin for 25 years before I figured it out. Why did I always want to be a boy? I was in the military for a short time before a foot injury led to being discharged, but I'm thankful for that experience because I met the person who helped me kick-start my coming out and transitioning. I saw him taking the steps to become his authentic self, and it was then I realized that I could do the same. So I took the first step. This was almost 7 years ago now. Don't give up.

First I talked to my therapist, who wrote a letter for HRT. Next, I went to an endocrinologist in a gender-affirming clinic not too far away, and I was prescribed testosterone. About 8 months after I started T, I had top surgery. I also give credit to our local LGBTQIA+ community center for providing a safe space for support groups. I was privileged enough to have the Transgender Legal Defense and Education Fund help me through my name change process. These steps taken have made me more comfortable, more at peace with my body and myself mentally and emotionally.