Hi Everyone,
My name is Casey, and I am the Senior of the Street Outreach Team in Wolverhampton. When I saw we were looking for people to come forward for LGBT+ History Month and tell their stories, I thought I would take this opportunity as it would take me out of my comfort zone and possibly help someone else.
In October 2022 I told my wife I wanted to transition. Ever since I was little, I thought I was a boy and went through emotionally difficulty stages being forced to wear dresses, play with Barbies, and have long hair. I always queued in the boy’s line, told everyone I was a boy and was heartbroken every time someone told me I was a girl and moved me back to the girl’s room. There are photographs of me in floods of tears because I was in a bridesmaid dress and all the boys were in suits. My brain was telling me it was not right, I was a boy why was I being treated differently to my brothers?
As I got older, I found myself attracted to females and lived as a lesbian. I knew that I identified as Male, but I had no knowledge of how I could change as it was impossible in my eyes. I married the love of my life, and we had 2 beautiful children. We have been married for 10 years and throughout the years my wife told me she knew I was internally struggling and if one day I choose to transition she would be behind me 100%. I started to realise that if I was going to be the real me, I needed to speak to a professional. In September 2022 I was speaking to my GP and expressed my concerns, who diagnosed me with gender dysphoria and sent me for a mental health assessment.
I spoke to my wife who supported me every step of the way. She stated that her and my family already knew but were waiting for me. My boys are 10 and 6 and I explained to them as much as I could, and they didn’t see the problem and said that it was cool.
I came into work and spoke to my manager who was so excited for me. She sent the information over to HR, got me a new ID badge and has been supportive through the whole process. She reminds me to book blood tests and takes pictures of me to compare and encourage me throughout the Journey. All the staff team are inclusive and respectful and are open to learning how to support me and I embrace all the questions they have.
I have been on testosterone for a year now and I’m adapting to the hormone changes. I do not feel I am where I need to be as it’s an uphill battle. The GP had little knowledge and I had to fight to get the care I needed, and the only reason I am this far along is thanks to Paycare who put me in touch with private consultants and assisted with the costs of initial appointments. Without this I would still be on a waiting list of a minimum of 5 years to start hormones. The world is generally an unsafe place right now and I am aware by just being myself I am at risk of coming to harm, LGBT hate crimes are on the rise and the Government are looking at making it more difficult for people who want Trans affirming care, which terrifies me. I realise I am extremely lucky; I can seek private healthcare, have a loving and supportive family, and a diverse and supportive workplace. Other people in the LGBT community are lucky to have one of these things, let alone all 3.
I am now waiting to have my top surgery, which is costing an eye watering amount and hopefully I will be modelling the new me at next year’s conference!
I hope that if anyone is feeling like they are not in the right body, feels lost and don’t know who they are or have family members who are going through this and want advice on how to support them, feel free to reach out as I will support the best I can.
Best wishes,
Casey
