Transgender in Tennessee: Shaun Arroyo's story

Shaun Arroyo, a 49-year-old transgender man from Nashville, medically transitioned at age 45 and is now is board chair of Tennessee Vals, a local nonprofit that educates and supports people regarding transgender issues. This is his first-person account.

I've identified as male my entire adult life, but did not medically transition until I was 45 years old. One of the biggest deciding factors to my medical transition was when my sister, older by a year, was diagnosed with breast cancer. When she was scheduled for surgery, how others perceived her body made her reluctant to go through with the procedure. In that moment, I knew I no longer wanted to be perceived in a way that I did not identify with — mainly as a masculine female, as opposed to male.

I come from a big family and acceptance from them was important to me. My mother has been a source of strength for me. While she did say she did not understand it, she would still be a part of my life, and has advocated for me with my siblings that were not as accepting. I have been very lucky in that aspect. I have had losses: my best friend, my part-time job and my full-time job. I've moved on from these negatives, I do not allow them to dictate what my life post-transition will mean. It has been a wonderful journey, and I am happy with my decision.

I joined the local support group the Tennessee Vals to speak to others that have gone through the experience of transitioning. I speak at universities about transgender issues, and I speak with my state and local representatives about transgender rights. I feel people do not understand trans issues because they do not know any trans people. Transitioning is not done on a whim, it takes courage to step out into the world and say I am different, but it is who I am and it makes me happy.