Being transgender is difficult enough in today’s world, but imagine feeling completely aligned with a different gender and never being able to fully realize that physically.

It’s something most of us take for granted because we’re the gender we are both physically and emotionally. We’ve never had to worry about it, much less think a single thought about it.

Here are 19 folks who share their experiences been trans and never being able to make themselves whole.

19. A good mindset to have…

18. Such a tough situation.

17. Feelings aren’t always reality. You can get there!

16. Be brave!

15. Don’t set your reality in stone now! You can do it!

14. Not a bad reason, tho…

13. Adoption!

12. Everybody has their choices to make.

11. Fair enough…

10. Well, be certain. There’s no going back.

9. Maybe, but only by stupid, ignorant people. Don’t let them stop you!

8. Very common fears…

7. Don’t be terrified. Own it and you will find somebody.

6. **sniff**

5. Yes. They do. A lot.

4. You do you.

3. So tough…

2. Don’t give up! There are ways around ALL of that…

1. Well, that’s a lifelong struggle. For real.

If you’re transgender and you have these feelings, how do you deal with them?

Think about sharing this with your friends and opening up a conversation. The more we talk about these things in open, transparent ways, they more understanding we’ll ultimately foster.