More or Less Trans?

Today, on my Facebook timeline someone posted one of those categorical statements similar to this: "Not being on HRT and or not having surgeries do not make you less Trans"...

While I am not a big fan of categorical posts that reminds me of those in-office motivational framed posters, it made me think of its validity.

Interestingly enough this was also discussed in a conversation with my dear friend Anna, who shares a similar transition story to mine and whom I value very much for her views and opinions.

Before that, I had read a tweet from one of my favorite Trans musicians, Mina Caputo of the band Life of Agony, who had shared similar thoughts.

Finally, another wonderful person, Nikita, who I have met a few times in Providence, posted on Facebook a very similar heartfelt statement of not having to prove anything to anyone but yourself, especially when it comes down to your own identity.

My feelings in the matter are that each and all of us have a unique story, with so many unique factors and situations that can affect our ability to transition one way or another and to many different extents.

I view HRT and surgeries and even just clothing choices as mere tools that we can opt to use to help us best match our internal selves with the external ones.  

For myself, that means to be able to live my life as my true self, matching as much as I can my gender identity to the way I am me publicly and privately. 

I view my transition as an evolutionary journey and most importantly as living my life better because I can be my true self.

I am longing and hoping to have SRS as soon as possible for example, but even that does not make me more or less Trans than any other Transgender person out there who does not want to be on HRT or having that ultimate surgery.

I remind myself of what Nikita said on her post every time I face hostility, and I truly believe that we do not owe it to anyone but ourselves to know and love who we are and to live freely as ourselves.

Gaby Ann