There are some things that I think it’s just impossible to fully understand without experiencing it. Like, what it’s like to be an immigrant or refugee, to experience discrimination, or to break your arm–these are all things that we can imagine what they might be like. But you can’t really know, you know? Unless you’ve lived it.
Being a gender other than your own is one of those things. There are things about being a man that I couldn’t possibly understand. And men will never understand what it’s like to be a woman.
The only people who might come close to this are the transgender community, and their situation is equally hard to understand for those outside of it. But we all know what it’s like to have secrets, and how scary or stressful that can be.
Here, 11 people try to explain just how difficult life as a secretly transgender person often is.
1. Butting heads with your parents
We’ve all been there, but most of us didn’t have to worry about being disowned for it.
Image credit: Whisper
2. Having to change in front of everyone
It might be exciting to finally live as your true self, but any kind of public transformation is going to be terrifying.
Image credit: Whisper
3. And then when they do find out, what will they say?
Honestly, we’re preconditioned to care what people think. It’s really hard not to, even when it’s not their business.
Image credit: Whisper
4. How are you supposed to tell people?
Especially when you’re still figuring it all out for yourself?
Image credit: Whisper
5. You feel like a liar all the time
It’s hard, even though you’re doing it to protect yourself.
Image credit: Whisper
6. It’s a lot — especially with an audience
It’s going to be hard under the best of circumstances, but an audience on the internet can only make it more difficult.
Image credit: Whisper
7. People don’t even know they’re hurting you
Because they don’t know the real you. But college can be the BEST time to show who you are.
Image credit: Whisper
9. It’s hardest of all when your community rejects you
Just keep being you, and you’ll find your tribe. I say wear the dress and SHOW THEM how you rock it.
Image credit: Whisper
10. Imagine having to wait for Halloween to be yourself
I mean I guess some children really are monsters, but still. Imagine it.
Image credit: Whisper
11. Family really can be the hardest part
They’re supposed to support you. They think they know you, but you often hide yourself from them the most.
Image credit: Whisper
These are all a good reminder that no one chooses to be transgender.
And that no matter what, people need to be treated gently and with kindness.
Do you know what it’s like to have a secret you’re afraid to share? Tell us in the comments.
