Hi, I’m Jesse. I’m transgender.

If you’re a friend or a family member, you already know this.

So why are we having this exchange?

There is so much about the beginning of my transition that has been exhausting. Physically, emotionally, all of the ways. I have every reason, and right, to make this a private affair, but I also feel a sense of duty to share my experience in the hope that it might help educate people.

Do I think all transpeople should feel obligated to be a flag-waving herald of the gender spectrum? Nope, not at all. I’m not even sure that I’m up to the task, but I’m going to give it a go anyway. Some people won’t like what I have to say, and that’s cool (unless they’re a bigot, that’s not cool) but I’mma put myself out there anyway, on the off chance that I can answer a question, broaden a mind or make someone feel a little less alone in their struggle.