Sop
hie: My Journey of Self-Discovery From a young age, I always knew there was something different about me. I grew up in a small town where everyone knew everyone, yet I never quite felt like I belonged. As I got older, I began to realize that my interests and desires were not in line with those around me. It wasn't until I left for college that I truly began to understand who I was and what I wanted in life. Sophie is the name I chose for myself when I started to transition. I had always felt uncomfortable in my own skin, but it wasn't until I discovered the LGBTQ+ community that I realized there was a word for what I was feeling: gender dysphoria. It was a long and difficult journey to come to terms with this part of myself, but once I did, I felt a sense of relief and clarity that I had never experienced before. As I started to live as Sophie, I began to see the world in a new light. I had always been aware of the struggles that marginalized communities faced, but now, as a member of the LGBTQ+ community myself, these issues became personal. I found myself becoming more vocal and active in advocating for queer rights. My journey of self-discovery has not been easy, but it has been incredibly rewarding. I have learned to love and accept myself for who I am, and in doing so, I have found a sense of peace and belonging that I never thought possible. And while there are still many struggles that the queer community faces, I am proud to be a part of a movement that fights for love and acceptance for all. Sophie represents the person I was always meant to be, and I am eternally grateful for the journey that brought me to her.