Great video, and important. I just turned 40 a couple of weeks ago and one thing that I can say is that we humans change A LOT over time. Mentally we just grow into ourselves and learn more about ourselves the more experiences that we have and, frankly, the more crap we go through. Changing your identity is a massive step and not one that should be rushed or taken lightly, no matter how exciting it seems. It is sound advice to suggest taking things slowly and really getting to know yourself.

@Daan_Spieard

5 ай бұрын

Thanks! We do change a lot. And as much as I wanted to start the medical transition, taking the time was really a good thing 🙂.

@BraveParagon

5 ай бұрын

@@Daan_Spieard It's very important and helps to eliminate a lot of that doubt and detransitioning that sometimes happens. It's rare that a person fully understands themselves at 18, 19, 20 years old and I'd even say longer than that. As Cody says, there are a lot of happy trans people. One thing that makes that happen, is learning to love yourself. Good stuff, Daan.

Your courage is awesome. Those going on the journey need to hear from your experience.

Hello there ☺ Wow, I'm so sorry your journey has been such a slow one, it breaks my heart to hear some people's stories about the wait times and the bureaucracy of getting care (including mental health care). Covid slowed everything down. I did most of my introspection during that time, who was I, what was truly what I wanted as a goal for transition and what did I want to look like. I still do the "wait all day for the appointment" 🤔 I would like to see some sort of tally or something on how many people transitioned during lockdown, I was so happy to have time slow down so I could make my choices. And coming out of lockdown, so many people were shocked at how much I changed. I admit it was a small thrill that most people were happy for me, in my head I thought it was going to be the opposite. I started to realize that there's a weird phase in transitioning where there's the "Can I get away with acting like this to 'pass' as male?" Then the "Hey, dude, what's up?" from someone else kind of gives you that happy internal lift that others see you as you've always seen yourself. That's really neat that you got to change everything on passports and certificates before your first appointment! Where I am, I had to do my medical transition first, then go to legal court in front of a judge and swear that I wasn't doing the transition to run from any government issues or debts, and I needed 2 witnesses. It was a weird experience. I like your message about "Take your time, don't jump into things." I whole-heartedly agree. I hope my mini-novel sized comment helps someone out there, I've noticed after watching different people from all over this platform that each person has different timelines and hurdles to go through. Transition isn't a cookie cutter "Do this then that" sort of thing. It's about what each individual wants, what they can afford, what's available, and also how far they want to go. Everyone is different, and no one is "more trans" or "less trans" if things aren't as available as they are to others. Just remember to love yourself for who you are, and there are many good people are out there to support you in your journey 👍

@Daan_Spieard

5 ай бұрын

Hey! Thanks so much for sharing your story! Really great to hear about other people’s experiences ❤️

We have very similar experiences. I was put on the waiting list end of 2018 and socially transitioned slowly in 2019 (although there was not much for me to change). Then covid hid when I was almost trough the waiting list and I completely mentally collapsed alone inside stuck on a waiting list. Then I got an appointment in September 2020, but also started T via a side route, then officially in March 2021 and I got top surgery in September 2021.

Great video as usual. It seems like mental healthcare is lacking everywhere. We have a major shortage of inpatient beds in the US. In some cases, people are kept in hospital emergency rooms for days until a spot opens up to get treatment. The waiting lists for appointments are long here as well. Next it becomes a question of what insurance is going to cover. No one seems to have solutions.

@Daan_Spieard

5 ай бұрын

Thank you. It is really a struggle.. I'm happy I live in a place where a lot is covered by the insurance. Although the therapy i;m in right now isn't covered.. but I'm happy that I'm able to afford it... a lot of people are not that lucky..

Also I'm struggling to lose the baby fat in my face. I'm not fat , but I am a little bit chubby . Hopefully I can get a chiseled jawline and more masculine face and body. Getting jacked is the goal. It's going to take me a couple of years until I get fit. I'm determined though .

@Daan_Spieard

5 ай бұрын

Determination is the key 🙂

@foregroundeclipse8725

5 ай бұрын

@@Daan_Spieard Thank you man. Hopefully I make it , like you have.

I've been left to wait for a long time. I'm currently 22 and I'm a transgender man ftm. I hope I can get on testosterone and get top surgery soon, as well as bottom surgery. I hope I won't be left to wait forever

@Daan_Spieard

5 ай бұрын

Hang in there! I know it feels unfair to be left waiting, but have trust!

@foregroundeclipse8725

5 ай бұрын

​@@Daan_SpieardI'm trying man. I'm trying not to lose hope .

@foregroundeclipse8725

5 ай бұрын

​@@Daan_Spieard Thank you man. I'm trying.