I identified as a lesbian before I transitioned – but now I’m a gay man

A trans TikToker has opened up about his journey from identifying as a lesbian woman to coming out as a gay trans man. 

TikToker Rory, who has more than 62,000 followers, uses his platform to discuss what it was like navigating gender and sexuality during his transition and why stories like his are more common than many realise. 

Rory told PinkNews: “I came out as a lesbian, and then I came out as non-binary, and then I came out as trans. I identified as a lesbian for a very long time. I was solid in that identity. There was no fluidity there, no interest in men.” 

A 2014 study by Auer et al of 115 trans people found that about 28 per cent of them experienced a change in their sexual orientation, which happened independently of gender-affirming care like starting hormones or getting surgery. 

@pinknews Can transitioning really change your sexuality? PinkNews sat down with trans tiktoker @Rory who opened up about his journey from identifying as a lesbian woman to coming out as a gay trans man. Rory discusses what it was like navigating gender and sexuality during his transition and why stories like his are more common than many realise… 🏳️‍⚧️ #transgender #gay #lgbtqia #sexuality #transitioning #love #Adoteumhabitinho ♬ vlog, chill out, calm daily life(1370843) – SUNNY HOOD STUDIO

The researches theorised that this may be due to factors like social or self-acceptance, as well as their understanding of their under sexuality and their relationship with their bodies. 

‘It’s a common pipeline’

Rory added: “I do know a lot of trans men that like men after transitioning and they didn’t before. It’s like a common pipeline that happens.”

Rory shared that he believes his change in sexuality might be tied to how the experience of being queer can go beyond gender boundaries. 

“Now I’ve transitioned I can date men and I’m still in a queer relationship, and I don’t find myself attracted to girls anymore, and I don’t know if that’s because then I would be in a straight relationship.” 

Rory shared that he still feels influenced by rigid gender roles, with some people questioning why he isn’t “their version of a man”. 

He adds that it’s also normal to mourn who you were before: “It’s ok to grieve who you were before. Sometimes it can be upsetting transitioning in general. If a whole part of your life was with one identity and you’re losing that.” 

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