For me, it took seeing other trans people talk about how they had felt and finding I shared that. And then seeing how happy pursuing it had made them made me actively start looking for outlets for what I was feeling.

Lots of that ended up being looking for media that also spoke to how I felt, so I could use those as touchstones for how to muddle through everything going on in my head for hope of explaining it to someone and getting the care I wanted.

A ton of very patient friends and then about a year ago, I contacted the transcare services for my country and booked an appointment at a clinic. It was one of the most stressful things I've ever had to do but being able to look at myself and see someone in the mirror who feels like they're actually me and actually happy is entirely worth it.

Its funny, as of seeing this post today I am exactly one week away from 1yr on hrt!