PHOTO GALLERY: Actually Andy, Part 1: A major announcement in teenager’s gender journey Andy Schultz, blue-striped tie loosened at the collar and faded gray cap tugged low, stares into a webcam lens. It is Feb. 6, 2013. From the family room, the 16-year-old nervously delivers a major announcement to Facebook friends: “About a year ago, I came out as a lesbian. It is true, I do like girls. But I’m not a girl. At least, not where it counts. So, I’m transgender.” In this first of a series of video updates, Andy says, “Today I had my first shot of T.” That’s T for testosterone, a cross-gender hormone treatment that marks a major step in Andy’s personal and medical transition from female to male. From female to male — FTM. Andrea Schultz to Andrew Noel. “You don’t have to call me Andrew right away,” Andy says. “You can just call me Andy, my nickname.” He gives his Facebook viewers an out, saying that if his gender transition “makes you uncomfortable and you don’t want to speak to me anymore, OK, fine ...” And then Andy — still legally Andrea Schultz — but identifying as a male — asks for love and support. Beyond that, he hopes that telling his story will help counter the widespread discrimination and prejudice that transgender people face, and foster understanding and acceptance. providencejournal/topics/special-reports/actually-andy/20131130-actually-andy-part-1-a-major-announcement-in-teenagers-gender-journey.ece
Posted on: Tue, 03 Dec 2013 23:33:38 +0000
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