For a majority of my life, I have battled with who I am. When I finally came to the realization that I am transgender, things started to make sense. I came to peace with myself. But me realizing my identity didn't solve all of my problems.
I never felt right in my body. Identifying as male, I never looked like the other young men my age. It wasn't until roughly 3 months ago that I began my journey to start HRT or hormone replacement therapy. HRT is a common thing that many, but not all transgender people choose to go through.
HRT involves replacing your body's natural sex hormone (in my case, estrogen) with the sex hormone of the gender you are transitioning into. (In my case, Testerone.)
This has been a long road. Numerous doctors appointments and even counseling appointments in some cases were endured. Me starting HRT will benefit me in numerous ways such as becoming more comfortable in my skin and allowing me to pass as a young man. But be warned, things will change. So, here are some things that I need you to know as I go through this journey.
1. My Voice Will Get Deeper
Much like a biological male going through puberty, my voice will get deeper. This is a big thing that I have been looking forward to, only because it is usually my voice that gets me misgendered. Please don't be surprised when I speak to you for the first time in a while, and my voice is different. You'll get used to it.
2. My Facial, and Body Structure Will Change.
Like a stated before, my body will be going through many things that you've seen before in biological male puberty. My jaw will become more defined, my body shape will change because my fat will redistribute, and I will be able to gain muscle easier.
3. Facial Hair Is A Possibility
Besides sprouting more hair on my arms and legs, it will begin to grow on my face.
4. If You Don't Use My Correct Pronounous Already, You Need To Start
This is a very important one. When I begin to look and sound more like a man, you misgendered me can be very dangerous. It already is dangerous, and degrading to me, but it is essential that you get that down.
5. If You Don't Support Me, I Don't Care
I'm going to be honest with this one, I used to care if people didn't support me. I have finally reached a place in my life, and in my transition where I realized that I have to do what is best for me. If you aren't a big fan of what I'm doing, well, that's unfortunate.
6. I May Look Slightly Different, But I'm Still The Same Person
I know you are going to have to adjust to me looking slightly different, but please don't be scared. I am still the same person that I have always been this whole time. My voice will sound different, and I will look a little different but my personality will remain the same.
7. I'm So Much More Happier
As I stated before, this is something that I have been looking forward to for almost 4 years. Please know that I am happy and healthy. In the end, that's all that should really matter.
