It is very helpful to know that we’re just normal people.
Finley, 19, Cologne
I started questioning my gender when I came to elementary school. We had PE and I had to use the girls changing room. That was weird for me and I didn’t understand it. I also had to use the girls toilet, which made me feel “wrong” as well. The feeling of being wrong became bigger and bigger but I didn’t understand what was going on until I turned 17. I met a guy who was also transgender and we talked a lot about it. Talking to him helped me a lot. I helped find and trust myself.
I had my coming out after I turned 18. I really had to tell somebody what was going on, so I
told everybody that I’m trans. I was very scared because I thought people would find me strange and bully me, but most people I know are pretty cool with it.
This coming out and living as a male felt like coming home. It’s hard to play a role for such a long time. I always thought women don’t like it to be women (I really don’t know why) and I’m happy that I was wrong.
I started testosterone on 11/16/16 and since this day I don’t feel as strange as before. My look changed; it became more masculine and my voice became deeper. I love it!!
Most people have been really supportive. Especially my parents, my sister, and my friends. My Grandmas reacted pretty cool too. Some of my “friends” became very uncool and unfriendly when I came out to them, but I lost only a few people. My school’s reaction was good too and every teacher and every student calls me Fin, or Finley.
