In school, we’re always taught to be proud of who we are. So the question is: how can we truly feel proud of ourselves?

As a member of the transgender community, it wasn’t all rainbows and butterflies for Van Go. But after his medical transition, he has never felt more confident in himself and more clear on who he genuinely is.

If being proud of ourselves means having a strong sense of self-worth, then Van Go is already ahead of the game. In celebration of Pride Month, we talked about his journey to discovering his true identity and his little wins now that he has transitioned.

What were the factors that helped you make the monumental decision to start transitioning?

As a child, I’ve always seen myself as a boy. As I grew older and had the freedom to decide the clothes I could wear, I always went for masculine clothes and later on during puberty, it got to a point where I would stop socializing with people because of how uncomfortable I was with how my body was changing.

Can you quickly walk us through the process of your transition?

I started presenting myself as a boy after graduating high school when I was less restricted with my haircut and clothing. Later on, as I felt more and more uncomfortable with my body, I knew I needed to transition medically, but at the time, I didn’t know of any doctor who could monitor me.

A couple of years later, we started a support group and found an endocrinologist who could guide me and others. It was then when I was finally able to start my medical transition.

What part of your transition has brought you the most happiness?

A year after I started my medical transition, I finally started seeing my genuine self in the mirror.

What’s your proudest moment as a trans man?

I documented my medical transition journey and posted it on Youtube. I didn’t expect how it had that much impact to people who were still in the closet, questioning, or didn’t know who or where to go to find a safe space for their experiences as trans individuals living in the Philippines.

How do you feel about yourself today compared to before? Did some things change aside from your physical self?

A lot of things changed. I am now comfortable in my own skin, I have grown and learned so much from my transition journey, and I can now say with conviction that my mind is at peace with myself.

As part of the LGBTQ+ community, you’ve probably had your fair share of discrimination. What keeps you going every day despite the challenges?

I know that being part of the community does not AT ALL make me any less of a person. And we too, have the right to live a happy and successful life.

Are you finally happy with who you are now?

Absolutely.

Lastly, what’s your message for everyone, whether queer or not, who is still afraid to come out of their shells?

There is no rush. Only come out when you can truly say you are ready. And also, not everyone is “required” to come out.

_{Photography by Clint Jason Deguitos}