23-year-old transgender model Stav Strashko is proud of her body. But she needs you to know something: unlike many other transgender people in the media, she has no plans for gender reassignment surgery. Let her explain.

The Israeli-born model recently told Teen Vogue,

I do consider myself a trans person. By definition, transgender doesn’t include only those who have had surgery; it’s just someone who identifies with another gender. But I never wanted to go through the surgery — I feel comfortable in my body. I have a boyfriend who loves me the way I am. I don’t want to change anything.”

Beautifully said!

But while Stav is currently comfortable in her skin, it took her a while to understand her identity as a trans person.

“No one ever told me what being gay or transgender was. The only time I heard those words used was as an insult. So, when I realized I was attracted to boys and to my feminine side, I didn’t know how to deal with it. It took me a long time to build the confidence to know that this is normal.”

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She added, “I didn’t understand that I wanted to live my life as a girl.”

We’re so happy that Stav found her way and now she can be a role model for others.