DAN
OKLAHOMA | SERIES # 4
Hello. I am Dan, and I’m 15 years old. I am from Oklahoma City, and I identify as transgender. Sometimes it feels like I’m the only person that feels this way, but I’m not. I wish I had words to explain it all; you need to see it for yourself.
When I first realized that I was transgender, I was in the 7th grade…I didn't tell my mom until I was going in the 9th grade. Thankfully, I was switching schools at the time, so I didn't have to worry about coming out to a bunch of teachers who already knew me. Still, I had to come out to friends. I lost a few of those friends. I am still in a big transition period (pun intended). I’m often asked what gender I’m attracted to. People ask if that makes me gay. No matter what, I know who I am. If you identify as male and you like males or you identify as female and you like females, exclusively, then you're still gay. Your biological sex doesn't change that.
My advice: Stay safe, be proud of who you are. You’ll probably go through hardships during your journey. It will feel like you won't get better, but you will. If you’re like me, please know that there’s always someone out there that understands what you're going through. It's not the easiest thing, but I always think about what my friend Milo says. “It’s not the biggest community here in Oklahoma, but it’s strong.”
