I didn't realize I was trans until I was around college age I didn't have the language prior to know that was a possibility. But I started slow as a young adult with changing my name changing my pronouns and my friends all supported me 100%. But it solidified for me when I went to the trans wellness conference in Philadelphia and saw so many different types of people all exisiting and in an affirming envornment. It really confirmed that I could have this life if I took the first steps.
I was lucky to have a coworker who is a trans elder who took me under his wing. Seeing him be in a relationship with a home and employment really let me see that I had a future. Since then I've gone on to work with queer youth and young adults showing them they can have a future also.