G’day, I’m Jessica. I am non-violent, living in the United States at present, and I am a transgender woman. I turn 33 this year, or by the time you read this, I’ll likely be 33 or 34.

I enjoy reading, cycling, and photography—especially capturing the coast, the beach, the ocean, and the bush. I love catching the light just right to take a cracking photo. I’m very much in tune with nature.

Being transgender does not mean I’m against God. I have faith, I read scripture, and I say my prayers in private. You have your beliefs, I have mine, and we each walk our own path.

I’ve known I was transgender since I was four. Back then, I would take my mother’s nylons and heels. By seven, I refused to wear boys’ clothing. My stepfather made homophobic remarks, calling me a sissy, among other things. I grew up in a difficult environment and endured conversion therapy from ages 10 to 12, sponsored by the LDS Church. It was brutal, and I will never go back.

No one physically forced me into conversion therapy; I was made to believe I was broken and agreed to attend. But it was cruel and damaging.

I lived in a homophobic, transphobic environment until I was 23, hiding my true self until I was 31, when I nearly took my own life. I had to get proper help before ending up in hospital, because suicidal thoughts became dangerously real.

Despite all of this, I survived. I am thriving. I am sharing my story so others understand the challenges faced by transgender people and why safe, affirming spaces are vital.