My name is Joan, I am 15 years old and from the state of Pennsylvania. I’ve always been told that I am a girl, even though I tend to lean towards more masculine things.
When I came out as gay to my parents, they ignored me for a full week. Dinners were silent that entire week and when I brought it up with my mother, she pretty much told me that she raised me straight. I’ve refused to come out as a transgender male, even though all I want is to be myself.
I didn’t let my family try and change me, because when I started freshman year I told my band teacher that I would prefer to be called Joan. My science teacher found out that I am transgender and he accepts me fully. I want other youths like me know that you have a choice of who you come out to, if you want to come out at all, because no one can force you to come out.