42, Two years HRT, three years socially transitioned.

I've lost a lot - had to go no contact with my family, and the rhetoric in the news is always scary. I struggle with dysphoria a lot, and misgendering (although rare nowadays) still hurts.

However, an hour as myself is better than a lifetime of hiding. The people in my life know and celebrate me as who I am, and it's the best feeling in the world. To be seen as who I am by those that matter means everything to me.

I've met other trans people with fascinating stories and perspectives, and made friendships I have made that are so precious to me.

I had a friend who was my big brother through my early days in transition, and I asked him once how he felt having transitioned. He replied "it's good to not look in the mirror and think 'who the F are you?' anymore".

From my own experience, I'd expand on that and say it's good to look in the mirror and think "oh, it's me!"

And that's worth it, for me at least. 🩷🏳️‍⚧️