It has absolutely been worth this journey to live publicly as my true self. — Pat Manuel

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An excellent read about following your dreams and working hard to be you. "A five-time amateur boxing champion whose biggest tournament ended in surrender, Manuel is just months away from his pro debut. - “I still have split seconds of not recognizing myself. But for the most part, I feel more comfortable than I ever have in my body,” says Manuel, who underwent gender-reassignment surgery, becoming the first boxer in U.S. history to fight first as a woman and later as a man.

“It never crossed my mind to give up. It has absolutely been worth this journey to live publicly as my true self.”

http://www.latimes.com/sports/boxing/la-sp-pat-manuel-201708...

Comments

For different reasons

Over the years I have wondered if those who change gender do so for different reasons, and most might say that they sure do. In fact that is a stupid question.

Years ago, there was a thriving gender change clinic in Saudi Arabia, until the Muftis got wind of it. Not surprisingly, FtM transitions outnumbered MtF transitions, and an amazing number of the women who changed to men did it for the privilege that men enjoy. I transitioned MtF because I had feelings I could not act out as a man. My life feels more legitimate now than ever before.

Sadly, the Saudi sex change culture has been driven deep underground. Before we get into Muslim bashing, I have it on good authority that only about 27% of Saudis are even religious. Given my own choice, I would be in Saudi Arabia living as a fully covered woman, but that is just me.