Before transitioning, I was a dancer for 18 years and I definitely presented more feminine during that time because that’s just how it was in the dance world.

As I moved into powerlifting and bodybuilding, I was able to start bringing out more of my masculine side while being able to create the body that I'd wanted for myself.

In the past three years that I’ve been doing bodybuilding, I’ve finally started to feel comfortable within myself through my journey of being on hormones and just being authentically me.

Powerlifting and bodybuilding have allowed me to see so many different ranges of identities. Even though there are certain associations that don't allow for transgender folks, there still is a community within that realm that is very supportive.

With dance, I didn't see that support as much. There weren’t a lot of men figures. I did work with some teachers that were men, but for the most part, it was all women. We'd wear all the glittery costumes and makeup and do hair and stuff. So there definitely was an emphasis on a more stereotypical feminine presentation.

In contrast, the bodybuilding and powerlifting world has more of a raw approach to who you are. You don't have to dress up and present yourself a certain way. All that really matters is that you're lifting the weights.

So it felt nice that I didn't have to try hard to be someone that I'm not. I can just go and do what I love to do. And that's it.

[As told to @Ragi Gupta — to be continued]