Chase’s story: How I got support with coming out as trans
Coming out as trans is a deeply personal journey, and it looks different for everyone. Hear how Chase navigated his transition and coming out during high school.
I started to feel more comfortable in myself, becoming more of myself and just seeing myself. You know, just become the person that I've always wanted to be.
Here are a few things we learned about coming out as trans from Chase:
Come out when you’re ready. Throughout high school, Chase was ‘stealth’, meaning he didn't tell everyone that he was trans. It was his decision who he did and didn’t tell.
Social transition is a good starting point. Chase began his journey with social transitions. He changed his name, began using he/him pronouns, and changed what he wore to school. These steps allowed him to start living authentically, while still deciding who he was ‘out’ to. Get more advice about social transition and gender affirmation.
Build a strong support network. Chase found support through his local LGBTQIA+ community. He also had a supportive school psychologist who listened and provided guidance. Connecting with others who understood what he was going through made a huge difference. Find LGBTQIA+ support services.
Coming out may strengthen your relationships. It can be scary coming out because you’re not sure how people will react. But Chase's relationship with his parents actually improved over time. By sharing his true self, he was able to help them better understand and support him. Unsure how to explain what support you need? Share this guide on how to support someone with their gender affirmation with your friends and family.
There are some great parts about coming out. Coming out can be daunting, but it can also be rewarding. For Chase, the best parts about coming out were joining the LGBTQIA+ community and living authentically. Putting himself out there, despite being shy, helped him meet new people and make friends. This helped him become the person he always wanted to be.
LGBTIQ+ mental health support
QLife is a free and anonymous helpline for LGBTIQ+ people and their loved ones. Available every day from 3pm to midnight.
What can I do now?
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