Interview with a Transgender Woman
Meet Jane, a young adult who is in the process of transitioning from male to female. We talked to her about her transitioning, and what it was like to come out as transgender.
What do you identify as?
I am currently transitioning from male to female. I am transgender. Right now I still dress mostly male in public, but have begun to buy and wear women's clothing. However, I do identify myself as a girl, so I would rather be called by my new female name, Jane.
Who have you come out to?
I have come out as being in the process of transitioning to just about everyone.
Did you find it hard to motivate yourself to come out? What was hard about it?
Yes, I found it hard because I knew some people, including my father, would be upset and not totally understanding. It would also come as a big complete shock, because I never showed any 'signs' of wanting to be trans. I had hidden this fact until recently.
Did you ever struggle with periods of depression or emotional issues due to fears of coming out?
Unfortunately, I have. I have struggled with depression for years. Partly because I was not happy with who I was pretending to be, and afraid to let people know the real me. It has been slowly getting better, now that I am finally transitioning.
Did you face homophobia when you came out? If so, how did you deal with it? Did you have to explain your identity to anyone?
Yes, I did. Once again, my father had a hard time dealing with it and some close family friends still don't know why I'm transitioning. I handled it by not discussing the details with my father or others who don't understand. But my mother, on the other hand, understands me more and I can talk to her better. I definitely had to explain to a lot of people why I feel the need to transition. Most people were confused, because up until recently, I was engaged to a woman. Also, at the age of about 13, my dad caught me in my mom's room putting on her makeup and trying on makeup. Let's just say, it didn't go over very well. After a confrontation, we never talked about it again.
Now that you have begun the process of transitioning from male to female, have people been more accepting and supportive of your choice?
Well, at this point reality is setting in. I think they really understand now that I am really doing this. Especially now, because my hair is beginning to grow longer, and my voice is slightly different, die to the hormone pills I have just begun to take. My mom has begun to call be Jane, but my father is not ready yet. I hope that in time, he and others fully begin to accept it.
What advice would you give to someone who thinks that they may have a similar identity or the same identity as you?
My biggest piece of advice would be to be yourself, even when others may shoot you down. Make sure you do plenty of researching on the process of transitioning so you know what exactly to expect. I did a lot of visits to different doctors in the area to discuss why I wanted to become female, and to find the right doctors for me for the process. Also, find a good support system of family and friends to be there with you through your new and exciting time!
What do you identify as?
I am currently transitioning from male to female. I am transgender. Right now I still dress mostly male in public, but have begun to buy and wear women's clothing. However, I do identify myself as a girl, so I would rather be called by my new female name, Jane.
Who have you come out to?
I have come out as being in the process of transitioning to just about everyone.
Did you find it hard to motivate yourself to come out? What was hard about it?
Yes, I found it hard because I knew some people, including my father, would be upset and not totally understanding. It would also come as a big complete shock, because I never showed any 'signs' of wanting to be trans. I had hidden this fact until recently.
Did you ever struggle with periods of depression or emotional issues due to fears of coming out?
Unfortunately, I have. I have struggled with depression for years. Partly because I was not happy with who I was pretending to be, and afraid to let people know the real me. It has been slowly getting better, now that I am finally transitioning.
Did you face homophobia when you came out? If so, how did you deal with it? Did you have to explain your identity to anyone?
Yes, I did. Once again, my father had a hard time dealing with it and some close family friends still don't know why I'm transitioning. I handled it by not discussing the details with my father or others who don't understand. But my mother, on the other hand, understands me more and I can talk to her better. I definitely had to explain to a lot of people why I feel the need to transition. Most people were confused, because up until recently, I was engaged to a woman. Also, at the age of about 13, my dad caught me in my mom's room putting on her makeup and trying on makeup. Let's just say, it didn't go over very well. After a confrontation, we never talked about it again.
Now that you have begun the process of transitioning from male to female, have people been more accepting and supportive of your choice?
Well, at this point reality is setting in. I think they really understand now that I am really doing this. Especially now, because my hair is beginning to grow longer, and my voice is slightly different, die to the hormone pills I have just begun to take. My mom has begun to call be Jane, but my father is not ready yet. I hope that in time, he and others fully begin to accept it.
What advice would you give to someone who thinks that they may have a similar identity or the same identity as you?
My biggest piece of advice would be to be yourself, even when others may shoot you down. Make sure you do plenty of researching on the process of transitioning so you know what exactly to expect. I did a lot of visits to different doctors in the area to discuss why I wanted to become female, and to find the right doctors for me for the process. Also, find a good support system of family and friends to be there with you through your new and exciting time!
Comments
Post a Comment