by Charl Marais

When was I born and how old am I now? It may seem like a simple question and one everybody should be able to answer quite easily. Not so for me.  There are a number of things to take into consideration. So, when was I born? Was it the day my mother brought me forth amidst tears (mine) and laughter (Mom & Dad)? Or was it the day I first started my journey and had my first operation in 1992? Was it the day, also in 1992, when I first went on hormones; or the day my name was changed on my ID? Or my identity markers identified me as male?

There have been a number of milestones on my journey, culminating in my first reassignment operation, metoidioplasty. All the years before were a mere “getting ready” to emerge as the person I really am – as a man in every aspect. Now I can finally stand up and shout, “Yes, I’m a man.” Not that I never was, but people like to see the sexual organs to go with that statement.

I have just been born, because finally I am no longer trapped in a woman’s body. I have just been born, because I have been blessed with a new body. A body I don’t have to be ashamed of. A body I can look at without revulsion.

Many people may ask what difference does it make? I’ve been accepted in the male world and few knew the truth. True, but to me it makes all the difference. This is what I’ve wanted for the better part of my 53 years on earth. This is what I have wanted since the day I found out about the different sex organs for boys and girls.

I am happy. I am excited. I am looking forward to my new life which includes a wife. No children from my sperm, however, but there are other options like adoption or artificial insemination by donor.

So when is my birthday? The 5^th of December 1958 is the day I came into this world, but the 6^th of October 2011 was the day I was reborn, so I am still an infant with a whole new life ahead of me.

Watch out for me – I’m coming! 

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