Gender Spectrum Stories
Part of my mission is to provide the community the oportunity to share their stories. We all live such beautifully unique and complex lives. Read how countless individuals across the globe have successfully found themselves and are living happy lives.
Finding Yourself
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Success Stories
Transitioning is such a personal & unique experience to everyone. Here’s what the community has to say:
Karlie Ann
I transitioned at 48, an age which many consider too old to successfully do so. Despite this, I did – with a little help from hormones and makeup! Never think you are too old. I missed a lot of years, but now I am happier than I have ever been – happier than I thought possible, and I have no regrets at all. I’m thriving as a woman like I never did as a man. Never give up hope, and never give up on working on yourself!
Nadia
I’ve always known I was different but couldn’t figure out how. Before I knew what being trans was, I always dreamed of myself as a girl, never a boy. I came out to my family as gay as I tested how they’d respond. Before I introduce them to Nadia. I’ve yet to come out to my entire family but the ones that I have are very accepting. I’m forever grateful!
Kendra Tonan-Lizzarago
I transitioned 1 month before my 38 birthday, after telling my wife of 11 years what I needed we packed up all my old clothes and I was full time from that point forward. It hasn’t always been easy, but we have kept the mantra of our relationship (we can talk about anything) and I’m super proud to say we just celebrated our 15 year anniversary with a vow renewal in Sept of 2018. My wife and I married each other again in beautiful gowns in front of our friends and family. It truly was the happiest day of my life.
Lala
I transitioned right after my 18th birthday in 2014. The hardest part of my transition was getting people to call me by my preferred name. I am now coming up on my 5th year anniversary since coming out as trans. My best word of advice for those questioning there gender is, no matter what you push for, don’t take no for an answer.
Toni Lenae Diamond
I began my transition at 50 years old. My marriage of 18 years ended because of this change. I’ve had to start over and now for the first time in my life, I’m truly happy. Although the cost has been high the joy, peace, and happiness I have found has made it all worth it.
Jaycee
Being trans is like playing a game on expert mode right off the bat, but when you beat a game on expert mode it’s a lot more satisfying than beating a game on easy. I’ve been through some very rough patches, but despite the hardships, embracing myself for who I am is the best life change I’ve ever made. I can happily say with the support of my coworkers and friends, my best years yet are the ones ahead. I wish for all of you the same.
Steph Fredericks
I’ve been trying on what was considered the “wrong” clothes ever since I was young. I kept it a secret until 2011; I mentioned it to my fiance. We’ve now been married for 7 years and she’s my biggest supporter! (I love her for that) Presently for me, now in my 40s, it’s not about transitioning but simply feeling joy inside and out. It’s exhilarating, it’s calming, and it makes me happy. I applaud all who’ve come out and transitioned. Everyone’s story is different but know that I support you.
Jenn
People frequently come up to me to attempt to shame me for giving up the life I had. Like it was a choice. During transition, I lost my wife and I no longer see my kids nearly as often as I’d like. But people never recognize the other things I’ve lost: the depression, the self-loathing, the internalized hatred, and the suicidal ideation. So, sure, I agree that I’ve lost a lot, but it’s because of what I’ve
lost that I have no regrets. it’s okay to be you; authentically, honestly, always..
Ethan
I was 23 when I started hormones. It all began by searching a little on Google, because I knew that something wasn’t right, I knew I was different. Lesbian? Tomboy? Transgender? These are just labels. Just be whoever you always wanted to be: the best version. It wasn’t always like it is today, my family didn’t support me and it felt horrible when they called me by my dead name in public, but it wasn’t my problem. I was stubborn enough not to let them bring me down. I knew what I wanted and it’s the best decision I’ve ever made.
Erin Dees
There are so many ways to be trans! Whether you’ve known your whole life or just figured it out today, you are valid. Whether you’re sure or whether you doubt, you are valid. Whether you transitioned in your teens or your sixty-teens, or aren’t transitioning at all, you are valid. Whether you are a boy or a girl or both or neither, you are valid. Whether or not you have dysphoria, you are valid. I see you, and I celebrate you.
Devii
My transition has been an interesting one. Which started when I tried on my first bra at 10. It was hard because I grew up with a family completely against anything feminine on a boy. I officially started HRT in April of 2018 and came out 5 months later to everyone. I ended up losing everyone I thought were my friends, but in return gain a sense of peace and the feeling of completeness within myself. Loving the me I’ve become is what keeps me strong and knowing God didn’t make a mistake.
Amy Freya
I first discovered I was trans in 2016. It’s been a long and sometimes confusing path. The most rewarding part of being trans for me is the discovery of who I truly am and the amazing communities and support I’ve found through this.
Zoey
I always had the most difficult time coming to terms with myself. It was a constant struggled filled with unhappiness. At 27 years old I finally made the decision to transition, and I never looked back. The amount of joy and heartfelt relationships found after coming out are absolutely the most amazing things I’ve ever experienced. I without a doubt have learned what being truly happy is! Never let anyone hold you back from finding your happiness.
Erica Rose
Ever since I was little I dreamed and prayed of being a girl. These thoughts started when I was about 6 and had no name for what I was feeling. I found relief when playing house with my friend from next door. During University, I was miserable living in the male dorm during freshman year. Having my own apartment was my oasis. I took my first job on Long Island and met my future wife Karen. She was and still is, the love of my life. For years I dwelled on my circumstance while enjoying my marriage and kids. Many years later I came across Casey’s YouTube channel and suddenly it all made sense. I started transition/HRT in early 2017 and then fully at work in 2018. I am living my life to the fullest. I hope in sharing my story, people will see their dreams are not crazy and finding your happily-ever-after is possible.
Keagan
Hello! My name is Keagan & I am a trans man from Arizona. I transitioned when I was 18 with the help & support of my family & friends. When I first began my transition I struggled with feeling like I would have to change who I was in order to pass & blend in with cisgender men. I was incredibly insecure about my personality & how I looked but after being on testosterone, getting top surgery, & allowing myself the time to grow and get to know myself I am happier than I have ever been. I am proud to be a trans man & I am so incredibly grateful to everyone who supported me during my transition. Sending lots of love to everyone out there in the LGBTQIA community. You are all so brave & I am so proud to be a part of such an amazing group of people who all share a common experience.
Monica Heart
My transition has been a life of contrasts. I was four years old when I dressed for the first time and almost 30 the first time I did so in public. I was raised by three strong women but I most emulate my grandfather. I love being male but my heart has always been female. I love being female but the love of my life is a woman. My transition story is just beginning and may never actually start, though I have been growing and transitioning all my life. Never let
others define who you are. Be you and no one else.
Bailey
I struggled with my identity from a very young age, but things didn’t kick off for me until I gained the courage to come out at 19. I decided to go full time immediately after realizing how much I enjoying being this new version of myself. From there it’s been a tough but incredibly rewarding path of finding and expressing my feminine qualities. Almost 2 years later and I’m incredibly content with who I’ve become and thankful for all the amazing people in my life. Getting to interact with everyone as my true self feels incredible. I’m so very thankful for my courage to continue pushing forward when things seemed hopeless. But if I can do it, you can too!
Louīz
One day I realized, we have only one life and this life could stop at any minute and because of this, I can’t spend my life giving importance to other peoples thoughts. So one day I decided it’s time to be me, no matter what people say. I am a courageous and self-confident woman who decided to be who she truly is. “Just be who you are” this is now my only bottom line. I’m proud of my journey, proud of my fight, and proud of my life. I’m proud to be a transgender woman!
Vanessa
All of my life, I’ve wanted to be a girl. All I knew was being a girl would be better because girls were better, obviously. It wasn’t until my 30s that I finally learned the word transgender & that people could transition. I immediately wanted to transition myself. I’m lucky to have a supportive wife who loves me for me and not how I present. I’m a girl, through and through, and
being a girl is better … obviously.
Cairo Nevit
As a FTM actor, model, spoken word artist & transgender activist, I’ve been honored to share my journey in several publications, through social media and my personal blog, I desire to raise trans awareness in an honest and dignified way. Always be proud of your roots and the things that make you different, those are your blessings, not a hindrance. Love yourself and others will gravitate towards you, own who you are!
Olivia Storme
I started my journey of transitioning, at the age of 16. After being put in the hospital for anorexia nervosa, I first told one of the nurses how I felt and who I really was and after that, I told my family. My parents have had a hard time accepting me for who I am but my siblings and friends have been there for me from day one. This Christmas was the first time I heard my mother calling me Olivia and that made me completely ecstatic and filled with joy. I have most of my journey ahead of me. I’m still waiting to start estrogen as I enter my second year of high school.
Allison Bloom
I am a 40-year-old happily married trans woman. My wife’s support and understanding has been amazing throughout our 12 years of marriage. After 39 years of denial and suppression, I have finally reached a point of self-love and acceptance. Although I am neither out publicly nor physically transitioning presently, I am a trans woman, and I am valid. There are many like me who can’t medically transition due to cost or other personal reasons. But we’re still Valid! Never let anyone tell you, what standards you must meet.
Zoë Maymon
In April of this year, I will be turning 24 and two years ago I began my transition. I was just about to graduate with a degree in Geography and was suffering from ongoing issues with an anxiety disorder that was endangering my health. Beginning my transition gave me the strength to seek psychiatric assistance, move out of my parents’ house, begin hormone therapy, and find a job that I love, working as a cartographer and will be going to graduate school in the Fall. I finally feel happy for once in my life.
Ellie Haigh
I transitioned right when I turned 18 and immediately had the support of all of my friends. I’ve been working as a gymnastics/parkour coach for 4 years now and I’ve been lucky enough to have super great and accepting students. I consider myself super lucky to have such great people in my life and because of them I am able to (sorry for the cliché) live and thrive as myself!
Melissa
I started transitioning on my 20th birthday after realizing life is to short to live in fear. I’ve dealt with depression, anxiety and gender dysphoria daily while people would tell me, “it will only get better when you start being yourself”. I was broke and didn’t have the means to start HRT or therapy. My family isn’t very supportive but I’ve kept my head up through thick and thin. Because I am who I am
at the end of the day and it’s okay to be yourself.
Bailey
No one suspected I was trans. I was just the smart, quiet, awkward kid who always kept to herself. I grew up as the golden child in my overly conservative-religious family. I was a math sterling scholar, Eagle Scout, Mormon missionary, student body presidency member, and hold the 5th fastest cross country time at my high school. But my family’s way of life never made me happy. I dove into researching to the point where I could have majored in sociology with an emphasis on gender. I came out and never looked back. I’m now a Wiccan and healer working on writing a book. Pursuing careers in massage & modeling. All while working a full time and part-time job & having Aspergers. I’ve never been happier!
Robyn Marie
I’m transitioning as we speak. I waited 34 years to really begin to find out who I truly am. I am prior military and served in the time of don’t ask, don’t tell. So I hide who I truly was while I was in. After came out as transgender, a lot of stuff that was told to me by friends made more sense. They were so happy for me that I could finally be myself. So, no matter what people think or say, you have to be true to yourself. I know I am and I’m very excited about the new journey I am taking.
Nevan Solagna
Being trans is an experience of enrichment, of wonder, of pain and rebirth. What you imagined impossible becomes suddenly your way out, your way through. The feelings that your truth gives you are not comparable with any other – your journey is an individual experience that will teach you a whole lot about yourself, others and life. When you are down, the phoenix in you can raise from the ashes of suffering and hope. For me coming out to myself and the world meant becoming visible, building my own self and my body the way I see and want it to be. My body is the expression of my inner drive to master my mind and resilience. Bodybuilding is my mindful temple and my way of working on my mindset every day. Find your ways – find what gives you strength and what makes you proud. Proud but never satisfied. You deserve more than you think you do and you are loved. Your body matters and is beautiful. I use my visibility as my weapon to empower others. And I hope it helps those who need it.
Tommi Lynn
In 1999 I purposefully presented as a woman for the first time; it felt right, it felt wonderful and the world’s immediate rejection of me scared me into submission. I lived the next 18 years in hiding, while therapists would ask me “what does a life worth living look like to you?” I would never dare to answer honestly. Finally, after years of suicidal rehearsal and ideation, I had a moment of radical acceptance. I am, and always have been, a woman. I was prepared to lose everything, but found that in those 17 years I had built a support system of people that loved and cared for me – I’d already weeded out the people that didn’t. I am now visible, and proud to be a supportive member of our community. Allow people the opportunity to be amazing, and I hope we all find our “Life Worth Living.”
Do you live on the gender spectrum and have a story you’d like to share with the world?
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