Real Stories

Real stories. Real People. Real Experiences.

Behind every statistic, headline, and stereotype is a person with a story worth telling.

Real Stories is a space for authentic human experiences – stories of gender identity, transition, masculinity, addiction, recovery, mental health, homelessness, and everything in between.

Some are about self-discovery. Others explore survival, resilience, rebuilding, or learning to live with circumstances that don’t come with easy answers. Not every story has a happy ending, and not every journey follows a straight path. That’s what makes these experiences worth sharing.

These are the stories behind the labels, told through the voices of the people who live them.

A Note About Our Stories

To protect contributors’ privacy, some names, locations, and identifying details may be changed. Stories are presented in a narrative format while preserving the experiences and perspectives shared by their contributors. Any fictionalized or composite narratives are identified as such.

  • men in group psychotherapy

    Ninety Days, Two Names

  • scenic coastal view with rugged cliffs and blue ocean

    The Encampment Barber: An unhoused Trans Man’s Powerful Gift

  • cognac on cut glass bottom placed on table

    Sober Trans Man: The Brave Truth About Dysphoria and Drinking

  • stunning view of swayambhunath stupa in kathmandu

    Kathmandu Passport: A Trans Man in Nepal’s “Other” Category

  • A blonde boy standing outdoors by a tree, capturing a quiet moment.

    Twelve and Sure: A Trans Boy’s First Short Haircut

  • photo of an old man wearing black framed glasses

    Starting T at Sixty-Two: a Black Trans Man Begins His Journey in His Golden Years

  • skilled technician working in repair workshop

    Blue Collar Brotherhood: Hank’s Story as a Stealth Trans Man

  • green mountain near the ocean

    Mom Still Uses My Old Name: A Trans Son’s Story of Love and Acceptance

  • A detailed view of a church altar featuring a crucifix and religious icons in a serene indoor setting.

    Still Catholic: A Trans Man’s Journey of Faith, Identity, and Belonging

  • A vibrant street view in Philadelphia showcasing modern skyscrapers against a blue sky.

    Schizophrenia Is Not the Punchline.

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