Jackson Lennon’s Coming Out Story

Hi, my name is Jackson and I’m an 18-year-old FtM Transguy from Dublin, Ireland. My story is quite a long one and I could probably write a novel about all the stuff I’ve been through since coming out but I’ll just give you a taste of what it’s been like since I came out in late 2015. 

Growing up I always felt out of touch with myself and thought that maybe it was because I didn’t know if I was bisexual or gay. I decided to come out as bisexual when I was 14 and then a couple months later come out as gay. My family and friends were super supportive each time which I was so grateful for but something still didn’t feel right. I still didn’t feel complete with myself, like that weight hadn’t been lifted. 

“I immediately realised this was who I am”

I discovered the word transgender through a video on YouTube from a Transguy called Tyler Turner. I watched a couple of his other videos after and immediately realised this was who I am and clicked with everything he was saying. A couple months after that and a few rough experiences coming out to people, I was happily out as a transgender Male.

I started my YouTube channel in March 2016 and began documenting my transition and tips for other people who may need it. This channel has now gained over 35,000 subscribers which is crazy to me. Going forth with my medical transition after discussing it for months with my angel of a mother, I got my diagnosis of gender dysphoria when in late 2017 and due to still being on the public waiting list for over 2 years now, earlier this year I decided to go privately with my medical transition and started testosterone on March 4th. 

Before that though I attended an all girl catholic school from the age of 12-18. After I came out as transgender I still had 3 years left in this school meaning my mother and I had to fight hard for my name to be changed in school and for me to be allowed wear trousers. After months of fighting, I became the first person to ever be allowed wear trousers as my daily uniform, in the 60 years the school has been open. The leaders of the school weren’t happy but they knew my mam and I wouldn’t stop until I was comfortable in school. 

My transition hasn’t been easy but I’m lucky enough to have so much support from my friends and family. In September just passed I got engaged to my girlfriend of 2 years, in January I fly off to Poland with my mam, brother and step dad to get my top surgery done and in March I’ll be 1 year on testosterone, so this last year has been hard but this coming year only seems to hold positivity.

“these achievements brought such a sense of relief”

A lot of negative things have happened this year but this was also the year I was legally able to change my name, gender mark and start my medical transition. All of these achievements brought such a sense of relief and If I could say anything to my younger self or the younger pre-transition transgender community out there this is what I have to say. 

Be patient and kind with yourself, your transition is going to be tough but once you stay strong within yourself, no-one can tell you who you are or get you down. Also you are the one transitioning but it’s also a transition for everyone else around you so he patient with the ones who are trying and the ones who will try.