Luke

UTAH

“I have been given the wonderful gift of being this boy’s mother. … He has taught me so much in his 10 years.”

I came out as transgender when I was eight and a half, but I have known since I was four or five. I came out to my parents after they let me cut my hair how I wanted it. I didn’t come out earlier because I was afraid that my parents would be sad that they were losing their little girl.

When things get difficult, take it slow, be patient, and it will get better.

“I have been given the wonderful gift of being this boy’s mother. I am so proud of him and the hope that he gives others like him. He has taught me so much in his 10 years. I look forward to the future. I will fight for him and with him. He is amazing.”

My name is Luke, I am 10 years old, and I'm from Utah. My pronouns are he, him, and his.

I came out as transgender when I was eight and a half, but I have known since I was four or five. I came out to my parents after they let me cut my hair how I wanted it.

When I came out, I felt excited that I could be who I am now, a boy. I didn’t come out earlier because I was afraid that my parents would be sad that they were losing their little girl. I was born into the LDS church, and when I came out my parents wouldn’t let me go. Leaving the church has made me feel much happier.

Since coming out, I have met a lot of people in life, at school, and at Affirmation. There are people that do not accept me, they bully me. I get through that by fighting back.

When things get difficult, take it slow, be patient, and it will get better. I know that a lot of people don’t have support at home. Find a community that will support you. Reach out to them when you need support. Being myself makes life much better.

Luke, 10