Conversation

that I am trans doesn't mean I used to be a man. it doesn't mean I used to live like a man, or even that I'm transitioning, have transitioned or will transition.

it means that my life and the person I have become because if it was shaped by other people constantly treating me like someone else, like someone who isn't much like me at all.

it means that I was raised to believe that the person everyone sees me as must be who I am, even though it's not. it means a comprehensive socialisation to the subjugation of identity.

it means that the whole world was always making it very clear that being the person I really am, rather than the one others see and treat me like, is wrong and disgusting and worthy of blame.

so in still being here to tell you I am trans, I'm actually telling you that for my whole life, the whole world was always gaslighting me—but I survived and won.

being a trans woman means that I am a woman stronger than the world.

and that I need a nap.