I’ve posted a bunch of #TransTimelineThursday posts and I’m very conscious about how reductive they are by nature — not only do they (necessarily) only show physical changes, they also gloss over the effort and often significant pain involved, mental and physical.

I had my 6th session for laser hair removal yesterday and soon will move to electrolysis, since so many hairs now lack sufficient pigment. Along with this hurting a lot (and it does, even with lidocaine), I also end up splotchy, puffy, and tender, like a recent sunburn. Even so, I often cry with relief after.

Here’s me in November 2022, 1 month before starting HRT and 7 months before starting hair removal, and me yesterday. These transitions are hard-fought, and I value every photo I see posted. No matter how small you might think the visible change is, I know what is happening to get there. My love to you all. ​