New Tech High @ Coppell sophomore Marker Luckey

“I first figured it out in sixth grade. I felt out of place in my body. I also had hints when it came to the fact that as a kid, I always wanted to grow up to look like my uncle or my older cousin. But it actually started with the story of Leelah Alcorn, who was a trans girl who passed from suicide.

“It was my first time really hearing about transgender people and learning about what the term meant. I started going by Marcus, but then kids were mean so I went back into the closet until finally coming back out this fall. It was like, I had been stuck trying to hide, both from transphobia and the transgender community. I’m not the most masculine guy, nor do I feel the need to be, so I know I’m probably going to face criticism from other trans guys for the fact I wear makeup and like wearing dresses. But, overall, I know I can’t keep hiding who I am and still be happy.

“There is something so wonderful and fantastic about realizing what is going on inside of your head has a name. That you aren’t alone in the world. It’s even more exciting when you learn there is a way to become the person you are meant to be, even if it’s going to take a while. I have found so much love and support from my family and friends, and I know that as long as I have them, I can take on the world as my authentic self.”