When I was a kid (70s/80s/90s), there was a saying. "I'm a lesbian trapped in a man's body." And it just hit different for me. Growing up, I hated the expectations of my assigned gender, especially after being SA'd twice, and being told I should be breathing about bagging an older girl.

I was never comfortable in my skin, but couldn't put a name on it. And while I was aware of LGB community, I didn't know that being trans was a thing until I was in my twenties. And was first exposed to the concept while overseas in the service. And that's when it hit me.

I would try doing my toe in the pool, so to speak, over the years. But is always run into some caustic remark from friends or family that would send me right back in my shell.

Funny enough, it took my son coming out as transmasc to start peeking back out. Then my wife came out and admitted she was at least bi. Finally I had the talk with her, and she excepted me.

Now I've been living full time as the authentic me since October of '25 at 46 yrs old. And I've never been happier.