‘We are just real people trying to live our lives’

Laura Adams is an aspiring author.

“I come from the generation that transgender was unheard of, or the stories that were heard were considered circus acts.

“Over the years I have tried to get help several times because I have been dealing with this my entire life. At 6 or 7 years of age I went to my parents with it. They were so horrified and reacted so badly that it messed me up for years thinking I had to hide it, that it was the worst thing in the world.

“Through the years, though, I’ve gotten a better handle on it. For me, it has always been a question of trying to find resources, to find help, because until about 10 years ago the resources simply didn’t exist. Just in the last few years some of the criteria have changed and I’ve been able to get help.

“It is a known medical condition. Our brains are wired one way and our bodies are genetically made another.

“My generation and the younger kids coming up today are the ones saying you have been telling our story for years where we are the punchline. We would like to tell you what it’s really like and what we have to do to correct that.

“We are a small percentage of the population. The more people who know about us, the more understanding there will be. People need to know we are not these fabulous creatures that they imagine us to be. We are just real people simply trying to live our lives the best we can.

“In December of 2012 I started the transition process by going to a therapist and meeting with a support group. Since the middle of 2012 I have been living as a woman.

“My life is so much better now. I can honestly say that now my worst day is still better than my entire life before my change.”

— Laura Adams