When Violet first began questioning her gender in the 7th grade, it felt like a wave of emotions she couldn’t quite define. “I went through a lot of different feelings that year,” she recalls. Like many young people exploring their identity, she cycled through different labels—demiboy, nonbinary, genderfluid—before arriving at a realization in 9th grade: she was a girl.

This wasn’t a sudden epiphany but a gradual unfolding. Even in the 6th grade, long before she understood the concept of being transgender, Violet had a feeling she wanted to be a woman. “I was acting kinda feminine,” she says. Yet, it wasn’t until she surrounded herself with other trans friends and supportive communities that she could fully break free from the “egg” of uncertainty.

Navigating identity is never a linear path. Violet’s three-year journey was shaped by exploration, courage, and the powerful influence of others. “The media and people around me helped me discover my true self,” she shares, highlighting how LGBTQ+ online communities and the friends she met at school created a safe space to reflect and grow. Their authenticity inspired her own.

But embracing her true self wasn’t without its challenges. Fear became a constant companion as she contemplated the societal realities of being a trans woman. “America is becoming so hostile, and the people at my school are really bad—they target trans people,” Violet explains. The pressure left her with butterflies in her stomach and tears at night, but she found a way forward by focusing on the joy of living authentically.

For Violet, being herself means more than just embracing her gender. “I’m a girl who loves aesthetics, anything with an engine, and pink,” she says with a smile. These simple joys, paired with the confidence to use she/her pronouns among close friends, have been empowering milestones on her journey. Though she’s not yet out to everyone, Violet’s determination shines through.

When asked what advice she’d give to someone afraid to take the first step, her response is as heartfelt as it is straightforward: “Be your true self.”

Violet is proud of the courage it took to come out, even to a small circle. Since beginning this journey, she’s grown more self-aware, especially in the friendships she chooses. Her next dreams are clear—starting estrogen and coming out to her family. Though these steps are daunting, she’s inspired by the growing acceptance and representation of trans people. “It grows quite a bit,” she says, reflecting on how far things have come and imagining a future where everyone can live freely.

A Message

If Violet could speak to her younger self, she’d remind her of one crucial truth: “Any option is okay.” This message resonates with anyone just beginning to question their identity—it’s okay to explore, to feel uncertain, and to take the time to understand yourself fully.

Violet’s story is one of resilience, self-discovery, and the power of community. By embracing who she truly is, she’s not only living her authentic life but also paving the way for others to do the same.