I first was confused about my gender identity at age 20. My mental health was at an all time low. I was confused about who I was.

The hairstyles i wore were considered "masculine" by most of the Black community. All the while, I was in my own little world. I loved my plaits and afros. I wore them almost all the time.

My dancing style is quite "masculine". I was not aware of how I presented as I am now.

I was more on the masculine side, so I thought, "I must be a man, right?" Wrong. I am very much a woman. Born and raised.

I let outside influences into my mind to basically brainwash me. I watched so much trans content online, I started to believe I was trans. (this isn't to call anyone out, everyone's journey is different)

I hated my body, and the trans content further affirmed this. I hated having boobs, partially due to sexual trauma. Both men and women have hurt me in this way.

Then later the word "lesbian' swirled in my brain. Some people said I was lesbian, which caused me to think long and hard about my geder identity. Here I was, a mascuine woman attracted to feminine men. I thought, "I like men, but I also like women." It was so confusing at the time. (in the present day, I can only see myself with a woman)