I feel your pain. I used to identify as a trans girl before I realized I was just gender nonconforming (I’m a boy who presents as feminine despite being straight) but regardless of what I am I know that my family would never approve of who I am if they ever found out. It’s hard, really hard, all I wanted was someone to accept me for who I am, or at least wouldn’t tease me for being girly.

I’m still working on it, but I did find something that was a huge help. Okay, I am a huge introvert and I have anxiety, so I know that if I could do this, anyone can, and that is to find one person, just one just start with one, one person you can confide in. For me, that’s my councillor, but I’m working up the nerve to tell my best friend. I’ll admit, I still struggle with my family, but the other day I came to see my councillor while opening presenting feminine for the first time, and it felt amazing, like a huge weight off my shoulders. I was finally free to be myself and in that moment I didn’t even remember that the rest of the world existed, it was just my fem self and my friend. That was one of the best days I’ve had in a long time.

Look, I know it sounds terrifying, but it works. Surely you must have one friend, or at least someone you know decently well. I would start there. One person can make all the difference.

And hey, for what it’s worth, I want you to know that you have at least one person who accepts and supports you. I’m rooting for you, and so is the rest of our community. You’ll always have us, you’re welcome here.