Homebody: A Graphic Memoir of Gender Identity Exploration

Living authentically in a world that takes every opportunity to squeeze you uncomfortably into a box of someone else's design...that is the most radical act of self love. Blossoming in an environment where the odds are stacked immeasurably against you is a beautiful act of defiance.

There is no one way to be transgender, just like there is no one way to be cisgender. We are all just trying to find a place to call our own. We are all deserving of comfort and safety, a place to call home.

For the first time, I felt like I really saw my own reflection.

Words are important. They allow us to communicate how we think and feel. Words help us to understand and to be understood. So, finally grasping the language you've been reaching for, to explain this complex and perplexing thing, a feeling which once felt so abstract and lonely, I started to wonder if--"Maybe, I'm the only one who exists. Is there anybody else out there who feels like this?"--finally being able to articulate this thing, that for so long, you had no idea how to express, is a blessing.

These assumptions about who I was and what that meant I should look like just didn't feel right. The feelings of discomfort stopped me from going to the hairdresser altogether and I cut my hair at home.

I'm no longer who I was yesterday. And I'm not yet the person I will be tomorrow.

Being openly queer can feel intimidating. But every day just by being yourself you inspire the people around you. You don't have to be an influencer to influence!