"Ever since I came out as FTM four years ago, I have reclaimed my body"

“Some people might argue that you absolutely must have dysphoria to truly be transgender, which severely divides the community and invalidates many people such as myself with gender euphoria and who love what they have, and who are not in the least bit interested in getting bottom surgery. Ever since I came out as FTM four years ago, and since then received top surgery and hormonal treatment, I can say without a shadow of a doubt that I’ve most definitely reclaimed my body, and I’m proud to have it. My vulva, or my flower, cookie, or kitty, as alternative names I also have dubbed it, do not make me anything outside of my identity, as no one else has any right to define or tell me who I am. Even with low points I’ve had where it was wrongfully used and/or objectified, I’ve since risen above that. Though those experiences were traumatic and highly unfortunate, they do not define me or own me. Therefore, my body, and my vulva especially, are no longer parts that I’m ashamed of. It may be unique and I may not have what a ‘normal’ male might have, but uniqueness is what makes humanity so fascinating and beautiful and it is what makes the transgender community as a whole shine! Now that I’m in a better place, leagues above where I used to be just a year prior, inspired by famous trans men like Buck Angel and Chaz Bono, I’m now very sex-positive and confident with my identity and body. I’m me.”

– E, 21 years old (he/him)