I read the stupid thread by the wizard lady. So cruel and disconnected from anything approaching reality. I bound my chest for 19 years and then finally decided that I had to do something about it. I was suffering from increasing dysphoria and discomfort.

I had to see my doctor, a psychologist, a psychiatrist, and a surgeon. All cis. Most of them straight. At no point was I pressured into anything. Quite the opposite. I had to prove over and over again that this is what I wanted and needed to do to feel like myself.

This took over 2 1/2 years. This was something I knew in my heart I wanted since I was about 13 years old. Maybe earlier. I was 44 years old when I finally had top surgery. It was the best thing (except maybe quitting smoking) I’ve ever done for my health, mental and physical.

I’ve toured and travelled for the last 25 years. I’ve met thousands of trans and non-binary people of every age and stage and shape and type, on 5 continents now. I’ve never met one who told me they were pressured into anything, except trying to be cisgender. Quite the opposite.

Trans & n/b people fight to be listened to, to be believed, to be respected. To have access & means for the care & healing we require. We fight the system at every turn, every stage, every step. To claim that we are forced or pressured into anything is a fallacy. A dirty lie.

I just CELEBRATED the six-year anniversary of my surgery in June. My only regret is that I waited so long. I suffered for years when I didn’t have to. Trans people know who we are. Look at the hate and misinformation we have to swim through to find ourselves. Still, we do it.

Oh, and I shouldn’t have to say this, but please don’t quote tweet this thread and tag a giant TERF in it and bring down a shit shower of hate on me. I’m trying to have a productive night. Think it through, people. Thank you.