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Living My Truth: My Experience as a Transgender Woman in the Bible Belt

 Living My Truth: My Experience as a Transgender Woman in the Bible Belt

In this blog, we will hear from April “AJ” Boyd  (she/they). April is an Intern with Youth MOVE National. We are honored to share AJ’s story with you all!

"I don't know what I am if not a woman."
-Martha P. Johnson

Past

I have lived in the south my whole life. I was born in Tennessee, but raised and grew up in the Bluegrass state of Kentucky. As the grandchild of a Southern Baptist preacher, religion was a staple in our family. Many sermons included teachings of how one must devote their life to God and to live a life free of sin. My true feelings of my gender identity were hidden for so long in fear of being disowned and shunned from my family. And on top of that, I suffer from two autoimmune diseases: Type 1 diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis. This was a pivotal point in my life where I felt as if I were being punished for feeling different. Living in a small town, I was unaware of what being transgender was until I was 15 years old. After meeting another transgender individual, things started to make sense. They took time to sit with me letting me vent my frustrations and voice my concerns. I started to feel like I wasn’t alone.

Present

Today, I am now an open and proud 24 year old transgender woman. I have started my hormone replacement and legally changed my name over a year ago. I came out to my mother and older sister and was thankfully accepted with open arms of love and support. I was able to graduate from my university in Tennessee with the name I chose, and not my dead name. During my time in university, I was the president of my university’s 2SLGBTQIA+ Club and in my senior year, was able to hold a Pride Year with the school’s Center for Women and Gender Equality. Currently, I get to work alongside other amazing and inspiring peers as an intern with Youth Move National, a non-profit organization that specializes in technical assistance around youth engagement and youth peer support,  and am able to share my story and lived experience on a national platform.

Future

The future is something that I cannot predict and I try not to look too far into it. However, there are things I hope to accomplish. A big goal of mine is to undergo sex reassignment surgery (SRS) to continue my transition. I plan to continue to be a strong and supportive advocate for the rights of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community:  not just for those who live in the Americas, but all around the world. I wish to bring kindness, positivity, and equality to all – regardless of one’s status.

Closing

You are not alone in this world. There are people who care about you and wish to see you thrive. Come out when you are ready to let others see the true you. Live your life in the most authentic and positive way possible. The most beautiful and magical thing one can do is to fully be themself.

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