first week in NYC —> same week 10 years later! I moved to New York City ten years ago today (hehe I do not count my year in Pgh). I packed up a dorm room’s worth of things and left the suburbs behind to go figure my gender out in the big city. I still have an incredible collection of gay shirts and refuse to wear anything else, but I’m WAY hairier now. Real talk though, I moved to NYC 10 years ago to be Dylan. Every piece of becoming Dylan has, in one way or another, happened here. New York City is the only place I’ve ever felt at home. It’s the inspiration for 2/9 of my tattoos (Keith Haring Statue of Liberty & skyline). It’s the place I have made the huge majority of my friends, many of whom continue to save my life on a daily basis. I think the move to New York has saved my life both times I’ve done it. The person on the left didn’t really know anything about their gender, other than the fact that they were Not A Girl (lol that this happened at my women’s institution). They didn’t like their body very much, and couldn’t figure out what clothes they felt most comfortable in. They were scared & afraid & alone. I am still Not A Girl, but I know so much more about myself now. I found words that fit me here, I found my pronouns, I found what kind of clothes I like to wear, I started hormones & got top surgery. I got 2 Ivy League degrees and made real friends for the first time and got my first adult job. My life since moving to NYC hasn’t all been easy. I’ve had to fight for my rights as a trans person at every institution and workplace. I’ve had bad relationships and gotten my heart absolutely shattered on more than one occasion. I’ve hurt people I love and care about. I’ve had too much to drink too many times. I’ve been depressed & anxious a lot of days. And while becoming myself has been a beautiful process, it has also been a long and hard one. My love letter to NYC is a long one full of joy & heartbreak, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. Who knows if I’ll stay another ten years, but I can’t imagine being anywhere else right now. I love you, NYC!