I wish I could say I always knew I was a boy or at least point to a moment of epiphany when it all made sense, but it wasn't like that for me. I just always knew I was "wrong" in some very deep but inconceivable way. I started down a path of slow self-destruction around age 10. I cut, burned, starved, refused to speak, punched walls, pushed people away, drank, etc. I finally sorted it out in my mid to late 20s. That was over a decade ago. Being trans in the deep South is a daily struggle – from the narrow-minded perspective that is so common to the physical torment that is the reality of … [Read more...]

Since I transitioned in 2001, I have given back to the GLBT community at the local, state, and national level through leadership, advocacy and education. This work was in response to my own need to build the safety nets of support I needed as I began living authentically. That work developed into a passion to both make the road of transition easier socially for others and to break through to create understanding in the communities I touched so as to be the change I wanted to see in the world. While at times frustrating and challenging, this has given me joy and has satisfied my heart. At 44, … [Read more...]

My name is JC, I'm 23 years old and I live in Seattle Washington. Since my earliest memory I have always known that I was different. At pre-school age I can recall asking my mom to wear her night gowns and high heels. Not wanting to upset my dad we would always wait until he left for work. Growing up my best friend was also my neighbor, her name was Emily, I would spend most of my days at her house playing dolls, dress up and my all time favorite game pretty pretty princess. I have two older brothers, Josh and Jason, they both excelled at sports and it was a major passion of theirs. From a … [Read more...]

My first step in self acknowledgement was in 8th grade when I came out to my mother, telling her that I was attracted to men but did not like being called gay. My attraction was like any other girl my age. Later on, I met my first transwoman at the age of 14. She was a pageant girl from Atlanta, and she was absolutely beautiful. I was fascinated with how she became who she was, and the more she and I developed a relationship, the more I knew that this was who I was; this was the answer to all of my questions. I experimented with dressing up in private on the weekends, when I was with friends, … [Read more...]

At 34 years old, I have lived a few lifetimes of pain and what seems to be bad luck. To the point where I just begin laughing about it, it was like a routine. It took me years to finally realize that by surviving, I had become a stronger person with enough compassion to want to make a difference in the lives of others. When I got the call about being one of the grantees of the Jim Collins Foundation, it seemed unreal. So few dreams come true in our lifetimes, and I have received one of mine. It has been hard to describe. It feels like I am living inside a great dream, and every time I think … [Read more...]

At first, I didn't think there was anything wrong me. I knew I was a girl, until my preschool teacher told me I couldn't play with the kitchen set at playtime. I cried and told her, "I have the same one at home. Why can't I play with this one?" Her answer was the beginning of a journey down a dark lonely road. "It's for girls," she said, "You're not a girl, you're a boy. Boys play with boys' toys; go play with the Lincoln Logs or trucks!" From then on, every single night when we said prayers, I would wait until Mommy left the room and pray, "Dear God, please make me a girl." Many nights, I … [Read more...]

As a 45-year-old, married, disabled veteran who is unable to work, I thought I had perhaps gone as far as I could in my transition until I won the lotto or managed to sell a book or something. I did what I could, helping with the Transgender American Veterans Association, as well as my local support group. I also went to a few conferences and talked about writing as well as TAVA. I tried to get involved. When my health started declining I began writing even more, putting more stories online on various websites for the trans community, as well as writing fan fiction. It kept me occupied and … [Read more...]

Every day prior to my surgery was like a living nightmare.  Most of my earliest memories include asking my mother when I was going to be 'fixed' so I would be like the other girls.  She would always reply in the same way, "You're not a girl."  I couldn't have the things I really wanted, I could never wear the things I wanted to wear, and I thought I was never going to be the person I knew I was inside. As I got older, I went into acting and music to try and avoid how I really felt inside. I had one failed marriage, almost had a second failed marriage, and I gained so much weight that I topped … [Read more...]

I’m a warrior in the battle that has been through a lot. My life has been very difficult since I was born. I’ve always dressed and acted like a man. My family rejected me because of my gender identity, and I’m alone in the world, battling for my life in order to be a great human being. I was on the honor roll, delivered the graduation speech at my high school, and was a leader in LGBT clubs in school. All my life, I have been discriminated against by family, co-workers, and the state of Guaynabo, Puerto Rico. I have been on the news speaking about the discrimination so that other people would … [Read more...]

When I first applied to the grant I was homeless and jobless and felt as though I had little to no support. It might have possibly been the lowest point in my life. I have pushed against discrimination towards me even in high school and middle school when no one would talk to me. I have lost many friends and family upon coming out. But it has ultimately led me to further happiness with myself. I am seeking to further my transition to allow me to be more aligned with my body and comfortable with myself and my identity. To be more comfortable in public, less worried about being outed, go to the … [Read more...]