There was always something within me that I couldn't quite reach, which makes sense in hindsight because once I came to recognize identity--in all forms--outside of my home, an entire world of opportunity opened before me. My perspective became much more optimistic, and as I settled in, I felt that innate passion to be a part of a community--something bigger than myself. That's when I knew that I was meant to live authentically, as a transgender man, and find like-minded people; stand behind and beside them, and take up the space I deserve.