Arcade Alex

A few notes on this page: for reference, buttonhole incision is a variation on double incision – it still uses two incisions, but the nipples are left connected and moved up higher on the pecs, vs. getting cut off and grafted back on (what usually happens with double incision.) Not everyone is a candidate because it usually requires you to have a smaller chest pre-surgery. I was lucky and had this incision type myself because preserving sensation was also important to me.

Secondly, I wanted Alex and Ren to tackle the topic of impostor syndrome in the trans community. Like Ren and many other people, I didn’t feel “trans enough” early on to feel like transition was right for me or like I deserved it. This is really common, especially when you’re just starting out and don’t feel like you’ve “earned” being trans because you’re still figuring yourself out and maybe don’t have the experiences that some other trans people have had. Maybe you will have some of those experiences, and maybe you won’t, but there’s no benchmark for “what makes you trans enough” except for feeling that you’re not cis, i.e. the gender you were assigned at birth. As Alex says on the next page, there are many paths to realizing who you are.

Next post: (Apr 9) Alex and Ren wrap up their conversation as Jessica and Kaz wrap up dinner!

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Page transcript:
Alex: Finding support, whether through friends or a trans support group or a therapist, helps a ton.
Ren: I know I want top surgery. I already bind every day. Have you done it?
Alex: Yeah! Wanna see?
Ren: Yes!
Alex: I got button hole incision. I still have sensation. That was important to me.
Ren: You look great!
Alex: Thanks! There are lots of good surgeons in Starlight City.
Ren: It’s stupid, but… sometimes I don’t feel trans enough to deserve transition.
Alex: That’s not stupid at all!