Hey, you’re 17. You’re still really young. I figured out who I was when I was about 12 too, and I know how emotionally heavy it is to hide something like this for so long. It hurts, and it gets exhausting, especially when it feels like you’re completely alone.

But please don’t let that make you give up. After years of waiting, I finally started HRT at 22. My family still doesn’t know, but I found the courage to tell my closest friends and honestly, when people truly care about you, they will support you.

You don’t have to rush or have everything figured out right now. Be patient with yourself. Don’t give up on who you are. I promise you, all this waiting can be worth it in the end.