Tori

Gender: Female

Pronouns: She/her

Tori is a trans woman. She says she knew from six years old that she wasn’t comfortable in her body and visited the Gender Identity Development Service (GIDS) with her parents at this age but no action was taken. She says I would have loved them to have identified me there and thenecause I would have still got to the place that I am now

Tori says that watching the TV program My Transgender Summe was an influential moment where she realized being a trans woman was a real possibility.

She got referred to her nearest Gender Identity Clinic (GIC) as an adult by her GP who was lovel and really supportive She feels it has been important at every step of her journey to reflect on the decisions she has made regarding her transition.

Tori says she found the gender specialist at her GIC first appointment rud to begin with but gradually got friendlier.

Tori tires of society constantly trying to put people in boxe. She says We;re not born to blend in, we;re born to stick out Tori recently had gender reassignment surgery however prior to surgery she had difficulty getting the right hormone levels with the GIC was able to help with gradually.

She is very grateful for the NHS and the job her healthcare professionals have done. However the waiting was a nightmare She doesn’t feel that trans stories are reported enough in the media.

She says when it comes to surgery writing lists is a really good way to get all your questions answered She was really impressed with her surgeon and the aftercare they provided.

Tori talks about her experiences of the fetishisation and objectification of trans women.

Age at interview 34

Tori talks about how she dealt with fears about her recovery and aftercare and how she appreciated rapid reassuring responses from her clinician.

Age at interview 34

Tori talks about the process of dilating for trans women who have had bottom surgery.

Age at interview 34

Tori talks about negotiating conversations about her body in new relationships and online dating.

Age at interview 34

Tori talks about reaching out to a trans friend at work and gaining a better insight into her identity.

Age at interview 34

Tori describes going for bottom surgery and her immediate experiences after.

Age at interview 34

Tori reflects on a homophobic attack that acted as the turning point for her trans identity.

Age at interview 34

Tori shares her story of coming out to her parents. She says they “started to notice from an early age”.

Age at interview 34

Tori talks about making changes to her name and appearance and “dipping my toes in the water.”

Age at interview 34