My name for 17 years was Austin, a male name, but I was reborn into Mae,  a transgender female.

All my life I knew I was different, and I never fully connected with anyone. I never fit in. That all changed the day I came out as trans. I felt accepted by everyone I told at school. My friends were supportive, as well as staff and teachers. Last year one of my teachers suggested I tell my counselor, so I did, and here’s how that experience went for me.

She asked me for my preferred name. Then she just said great.  I asked an embarrassing question. I asked how the bathroom stuff would work for me. She said that until I changed my gender on my birth certificate and brought it in, that I was required to use the boys’ restroom. That is understandable. I just wish at that time there was more counselling could do for their transgender students.

Recently, I talked to my counselor again and some things have changed. For instance, you can have the school add your preferred name and gender to the gradebook, so that when substitutes get a printed attendance sheet, it’s on there. This is meant to help with the confusion. But in my experience, they never pay attention to that. The school also has a Gay Straight Transgender Alliance (GSTA) club that meets Thursdays from 3:15-4:00 in room 216.

Most of the year went fine, but after six months I changed what I thought was me and transitioned to gender neutral because my family wasn’t supportive in my transition, which made me hit gender dysphoria, having doubts about the gender you believe you are. This was one of my saddest points in my life. I let my family change who I thought I was. A year later I realized what my family had done to my self image. So I came back out as trans, knowing that I will not tell my family until I move out, because I do not want to be around people who do not support me.

Now, I’m happier than ever, finally being me, for good. I’m finally me, and no one else is telling me who I am. Now, for anyone in the closet for any part of the LGBTQ+, who is worried about what others will think, talk to your counselors because they are here to help. And for any transgender students who want to start transitioning, the best organization to go to would be Planned Parenthood in Denver. They offer Hormone Replacement Therapy and help with the referrals for surgeries when the time comes.

Thank you for reading my story, and hopefully I helped people who didn’t know what to do. Remember; be you. Don’t let anyone try to change you!