Corey Walker is my name. I’m twenty seven years old, from a small beach town in s outhern Florida, and I am going through a gender transition right now.
I did not know anyone who identified as LGBTQ+ while I was growing up in a little town with very little mixture. It was range and difficult to understand, let alone discuss with others, when I first began to feel as though I might be man.
Courtesy of Corey Walker
I did not start revealing my attraction to women to my family and friends back home until I transferred to Michigan for college. Life in Michigan, where there are more accepting people and separate groups, made it easier for me to understand that my sexuality and sex character were two dissimilar things. I got aware of my gender.
I understand how much I needed to change myself because my partner at the time was also going through a big change. For years, I lived vicariously through his experience, feeling both happy for him and a lot jealous.
I soon realize it was time to be true when we separated our ways.
Courtesy of Corey Walker
Coming out to my family wasn’t easy. I was nervous, but I knew it was something I had to do They were taken aback and firstly did not trust me. I still had long hair, wore girly clothing, and did not appear to want to change. They were unaware of my internal fights. Every time a man expressed interest in me or called me “ma’am,” I would gasp. I never considered changing to be a viable option, so I wore that outfit around my family.
I tried to fit into the role people expected of me, hoping it would keep the questions and judgments about how I looked at bay. But my closest friends could always see past the act my masculine energy and style were just too much a part of who I am.
I consider myself extremely lucky to have the network of support that I do. It feels like a long time coming, even though I’m only just beginning this journey.
Courtesy of Corey Walker
I took my first dose of testosterone on May 24, 2018 a day that marked a huge turning point in my life. To celebrate, my mates threw me an it is a male party. They went all out: blue and white balloons, cupcakes, and banners filled the room. They even got creative with the decorations syringes filled with Jell-O shots stood in for testosterone injections. It was funny, heartfelt, and honestly one of the most affirming moments I have ever experienced.
Being honored and encouraged in this method, as so many others have been throughout their gender journeys, meant the world to me.
Courtesy of Corey Walker
I set aside my needs to support my partner’s change, despite the fact that I had known for years that I wanted to change. I promised myself that it was time to live my truth after we parted ways.
Every day I express my thankfulness to my family and friends for supporting me as I move onward.
