Hi friends, as some of you already know, I've recently come out as a trans woman. It took many years to get to this point.

I spent a lot of time afraid and confused, terrified that the world would turn its back on me if I expressed myself in ways the felt more natural than the mask of masculinity...

So I built a fortress for my feelings and walled myself inside. At times I felt as though I was running out of air...

Meanwhile the walls were cracking. Cracking as I grew more confident in myself, made some incredibly supportive friends, and met several brave woman who tread similar paths before me.

As the fortress fell, I've started to realise that the only war was the one inside my head. I feel so privileged that I've received nothing but love in the process of coming out to the world. I also admittedly feel a little foolish, because it appears I was just fighting phantoms. I'd like to thank everyone that I've already told for all their kindness and support.

And in the rubble of the folly, after the fortress fell, there was left standing a figure: pale, naked, and very vitamin D deficient. She had no armour. There was no need⁠—it would only weigh her down. Weigh her down in the quest to find herself. And as befits someone with a new quest, a new name: Natalie. She, or rather I, am sure that there will be ups and downs, mistakes and misadventures, but I'm excited nonetheless, because I'm already starting to like the new me.

Much love,

Natalie