My story: coming out as trans

My story: coming out as trans

YESTERDAY, I told the world that I’m a girl.

First, through a conversation with my parents, second by a Facebook post, and now via this article.

I’ve been thinking for a long time about the right way to talk to everyone about something so big. It’s taken me a long time and a lot of figuring out, but I’m ready and I want to be open and honest.

Growing up, everyone always said to “be a man” and others always told me I was a boy. Even though I didn’t always feel as though it really fit or felt right, I went along with it anyway.

As I got older I started to figure things out more. I was probably about 10 or 11 when I discovered the idea of a “transgender” person.

I was pretty freaked out. All the transphobia and horrible stereotypes I saw on TV and in movies had given me a pretty warped idea of what it meant to be trans*, and as an 11-year-old kid it was overwhelming. I hated it.

I buried my feelings and tried to make myself forget. It was the only way I could cope. I figured denial was easier, pretending I was fine and just forcing myself to power through. My logic was maybe if I ignored it and tried to force myself to “be a man”, maybe eventually I’d just “learn” to be like everyone else.

That didn’t work. Maybe for a few months, even sometimes a year or two, I’d be okay, but it would always come back. I’ve never been able to shake it.

When I was younger, I struggled with depression for many years, and like anyone battling mental health problems, I  had some dark and low moments. Then one day one of my friends came out as a trans man. I’d met him through Minus18 a few years back at one of their summer social events. He was a year older than me and a close friend, I really looked up to him.

It was the first time I’d actually knowingly met another trans* person.

All the misconceptions I had about what it meant to be trans started melting away. My friend was still the same nice, kind, funny person as always. The only thing that changed was the name and pronouns we used when talking about him.

Up until that moment I hadn’t been able to accept myself. I had refused to accept myself because that meant admitting I was “different”. I thought it meant being alone. I thought it meant being excluded and mocked. But watching people love and accept my friend for who he was changed everything. It showed me how wrong I was about it all.

It hadn’t even occurred to me that my friends wouldn’t reject me, that society wouldn’t despise me, that my family would maybe even be able to accept me, just like his family did.

For LGBT youth it seems that that’s always the hardest part; feeling alone and isolated. So many people aren’t even aware of just how many other people are out there that can relate and share similar stories.

I found these stories by joining Minus18. It changed my life, and suddenly I was exposed to hundreds of other young people who “just got it”, who could help me through everything, and who would rebuild my confidence.

I finally worked up the courage to come out this week. I’d been waiting eagerly for National Coming Out Day.

Marco Fink
Marco Fink

My parents were shocked for sure, but they told me they loved me no matter what. The reactions on Facebook have been just as incredible. It’s been so freeing to finally be able to be myself and tell the world this is the girl I’m meant to be.

The sense of community and support Minus18 has given me has been enormous, and has provided that for thousands of other LGBT young people all over Victoria and Australia.

Sadly, the incredible support and love I’ve received by coming out as trans* isn’t the norm for Australian youth. With 66 per cent of gender-diverse and trans* young people experiencing transphobic abuse, there’s still such a long way to go before we can say they’re safe.

Minus18’s next big step, the Atrium, is a safe space where young people can meet other LGBT youth. It’s a space where young people come from all over Melbourne can come and be themselves. If I can provide just one more trans* young person with the amazing, supportive space that I was given, it’ll be the most incredible thing in the world.

Marco Fink is the Communications Manager at Minus18, Australias National Organisation for LGBT youth. Shes been involved with the organisation for four years, working on written resources, campaigns, and videos to help support LGBT young people like herself. Follow her on Twitter: @marcofink

CLICK HERE to make a donation to Minus18’s crowdfunding campaign for the Atrium.

You May Also Like

33 responses to “My story: coming out as trans”

  1. Mazel Tov Marco. I have only heard amazing things about you from your school and work at Minus 18. You can now live your life at peace with yourself and those around you. I hope we will be able to work together on the HEY grant we have been awarded and look forward to meeting you at the HEY grant introductions. We want to be sure we address the issues for everyone, be they GLBT or I.

  2. I want to say kol hakavod to Marco and her family. I want to say how brave she is. But in doing so I’m acknowledging how sad the reality of our communities [both Jewish and general] are that in being true to herself requires courage: being true to one’s self should be simple, untraumatic and just normal behaviour.

  3. You look beautiful and you should be very proud of yourself. I came out as trans* a year ago and I feel so much better now. It’s not always easy to accept who you are but you know what’s best for yourself and whatever people think about, just never give up. One day you’re the boy/girl you always wanted to be.

  4. Congratulations Marco! It’s tough enough coming out to parents and friends, let alone on a global platform.
    I hope hearing your story makes it easier for other trans people to find self-acceptance too.

  5. Marco – a friend recommended that I read your story, and I am so glad that he did. You have brought tears to my eyes. I just want to say ‘Congratulations – you are such an amazing and inspirational person’ !!!

  6. This is super powerful. I’m so glad you’ve had the support you’ve needed as you’ve come to terms with your identity, every young queer person deserves to have that. You’re doing amazing work.

  7. Gorgeous words, Marco! It’s such a privilege to hear your story, and I have no doubt these words will inspire trans* youth for years to come <3