* This post is written by one of our volunteer content creators. *
Hi, I'm Adam! A 45-year-old Army Veteran, Transgender man living with a disability. Originally from Scotland, I moved to England aged 25 to re-enlist in the army. Fast forward to my early 30's and I once again had to leave, only this time it was because I was suffering from what is now known as Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Something I still battle with today. At the time I didn’t know how disabling mental health struggles could be, but I quickly learnt that not all disabilities are visible!
Since then, my journey has taken me through a period of transmutation between my mental health, and my true authentic self, beyond the conformity of gender. So, in 2015 I decided to begin my transition from female to male. With that came changing my name to Adam via Deed Poll, a very poignant moment in my journey. I am now awaiting my initial one to one consultation with the Gender Clinic, which will hopefully come around later this year. Allowing me to finally get the ball rolling towards the surgery I so desperately want.
No doubt this next chapter in my journey will include lots of highs and lows, which I look forward to documenting on the AYL blog. In the meantime, I will be creating a series of posts aimed at encouraging others to share their transitioning stories, challenges, and life lessons. Whether they are just beginning their journey, are somewhere in the middle like myself, or fully transitioned, together we can provide other people with a directory of realistic advice.
My journey so far has not been easy, so I also want to show the world that judging a book by its cover serves no purpose. Everyone has a challenge in life, some are just bigger than others, but that doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t be treated as equals. That being said, I know this is easier said than done when you are on the receiving end of a judgmental comment, so I will also be offering a sounding board for people to find their voice. Providing them with an opportunity to speak as they are, irrespective of fear or prejudice.
By reaching out to you all I am hoping to create a community that raises awareness, breaks stigmas, and celebrate the positivity surrounding transgender people. Because I am going through it myself, I know the rollercoaster of life is full of ups and downs. Not only am I transgender, but I am also an Army Veteran living with a disability. But one thing I am not is a diagnosis.
I’m looking forward to getting stuck into this series, helping others, and meeting some new friends along the way.
Love & Light - Adam x
* To catch up with my previous blog posts, please click HERE! *
Hi, I'm Lauren and I have been living with a collection of disabilities for the past 8 years. I initially had a passion for teaching children with special needs, but my health prevented me from pursuring my dream career. Despite this, I now love nothing more than sharing my experiences to help other people living with disabilities.
Hi, I’m Lori and was diagnosed with Ehlers Danlos Syndrome and a family of co-morbid conditions which has made life highly complex. However I constantly aim to make life as ‘normal’ and fulfilling as possible - and through this, I discovered the benefits of writing about my journey.