Identifies as: FtM Transguy
Pronouns: He/him/his
Age: 16
Job
"I work at a retail store called Hot Topic. I started working there over a year ago."
Life's work
"Currently I'm a junior at Stevenson High School, but I really stand for human rights and equality. After high school, I plan to be a paramedic."
Neighborhood: Vernon Hills, IL
Hobbies
"I'm really into music. I play guitar, along with multiple other instruments."
What is the best thing about being trans/ gender-variant? : "I just think it's amazing that I can finally feel like myself."
Do you have a coming out story?
"I came out to my mother in March of 2010. My therapist knew before, and finally my therapist and I thought it was time to tell her I didn't feel right in the body I was in."
Do you consider yourself an activist?
"Yes. I really try and help the other trans people who are struggling with their identities. I am also the co-president of the Stevenson High School Gay-Straight Alliance."
Whom do you admire most?
"I really admire my mother. As I was growing up, we faced some difficulties. She has always had the best interests in mind for her children and is very selfless."
What issues, if any, outside of the queer community do you care about?
"Animal rights, as well as human rights. I believe the government shouldn't be controlling how people live. Because of this, I'm pro-choice. I believe in freedom over security. I am quite the humanist."
How do you explain the way you feel about gender to others?
"Basically I just tell them 'I'm a boy in a girl's body.' That's the best way to describe it."
What do you think are the most important issues facing the trans/gender-variant community?
"I think that the biggest issue is having equal legal rights. Not until then will we be truly equal."