peter
“When I was about 18 I felt it was time to tell my parents I’m transgender. I was so afraid of their reaction that I actually wrote a letter, left it on top of my pillow and went to England for three days. I didn’t think it would happen, but I was prepared to stay if they didn’t accept me. I’m very close to my family so I think giving them some breathing room was the best thing to do. They could get their first reactions and all of their initial feelings out there without saying it and maybe regretting it in the future. I’m very lucky because they’re supporting me in every way possible ever since. I would never have imagined three years ago that I could be as happy and comfortable in myself as I am now. It’s weird growing up and not being able to imagine what your future will be like. I wish there was someone when I was younger who’d be able to tell me I can and will be happy. That would have saved me a lot of heartaches. I don’t think as many people know how logistically difficult it is to transition and to seek support because there are so few doctors that would treat transgender people. I’m lucky to be in a college where I have free support, and as I was the first one to get it, other people can follow my path now. It’s still difficult, but you can get there.”
‘Humans of the Election’ is a collaboration with Newstalk 106-108 fm, highlighting the real people behind the issues we face in Ireland today (6/7).