Things I would tell myself pre-transition if I could:
1. Trust Yourself:
Your body is your home for the rest of your life. Always trust your instinct when it comes to how you feel and who you want to be. There is no one else in this world that can tell you who you are. There are no rules and no guidelines when developing the life you want to live. Whether you are under any part of the LGBTQ+ umbrella, the question of “Who are you really?” can only ever be answered by you.
2. Find Support:
Finding support can be crucial to one’s transition. Reach out to someone in your life who you can lean on. If there isn’t someone that immediately comes to mind, or you are not quite ready to share your journey, search online to see if there is a local safe space, or if there is a professional you can connect to. Keep in mind that support can remain anonymous on counseling websites as well. Support is everywhere, even if we can’t see it.
3. Educate Yourself:
Now that you’ve made the life changing decision to transition, where do you start? The internet can be a great resource to not only gather information but to connect to a possible safe space in your area. It is very important to use resources that are easily obtainable. Ask as many questions as you possibly can. It is crucial to stay as informed as possible on anything that may pertain to your specific transition. This is the best way to ensure that your transition is done properly and in the safest manner.
4. Be patient with your family and friends:
Being patient with friends and family in your life can be a great source of stress. Keep in mind that not all comments or questions come with malicious intent. One of the more sensitive slip ups is when someone is misgendered. It’s important to remember that this transition is a transition for people around you as well. When I reminded myself of this after the fourth time I was misgendered at the dinner table, I found correcting the person and moving on with the conversation made me feel much better than focusing on it silently and making myself upset. Becoming patient and takes time and a lot of self-control. Even though it may not happen overnight, it will help you in the long run.
5. Be ready to make some big decisions:
With all of the decisions you are about to be making, it’s important to trust what you’ve learned and trust your instincts.This is where educating yourself really comes into play. I encourage you to remember that no snowflake is alike and that the only rules you are obligated to follow are your own. This is your body and it’s time you take control.
6. Remember that this is your body and your life:
Go out and live. There is no other way to explain the statement above. You have started your journey to self-discovery and there is an entire life ahead of you.
