I’m Aro, and I’ve spent more than a decade working as a program manager at a major aerospace company.

My work is detailed and serious. I hold security clearances, work in classified spaces, and carry a lot of responsibility every day. I’m proud of that, because it says something about the kind of trust people place in me. My mom worked at the same company before I did, so in a lot of ways this is a second-generation family story. It means a lot to me to be building my life in a place where hard work, trust, and dedication matter.

I’m also a transgender man, and that is simply a real part of who I am.

My family has been a huge part of my life. They love me and support me, even though there were questions and concerns at first. That’s part of being a family — learning, growing, and staying connected. We spend as much time together as we can, especially outdoors, hiking, camping with our dogs, and enjoying the quiet moments that help us feel grounded.

Having the support and care I needed helped me grow into the person I am today. I know not everyone gets that same kind of support, and that’s painful to think about. Everyone deserves the chance to feel safe, supported, and valued for who they are.

At the end of the day, I’m just someone who loves his family, his work, and the outdoors. Being transgender is one part of my life, but it doesn’t change the fact that I’m a neighbor, a son, a worker, and a person trying to live a good life.

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I’m Freddie, and I was born and raised in Kansas City.

I love this city. It’s changed a lot over my lifetime, but one thing hasn’t changed: people here are connected. If you live in Kansas City long enough, you can’t go anywhere without running into someone you know. That sense of connection is part of what makes this place feel like home.

I’m a personal trainer and boxing coach, and fitness has always been a big part of my life. My dad was a track athlete who nearly made the Olympics, and sports were always important in our family. I’ve trained in MMA and Brazilian jiu-jitsu, but over time I realized I enjoy teaching much more than competing. I love helping people build confidence and feel stronger in themselves.

I’m also a transgender man, and I’m the only trans person in my family.

Even so, my family has always embraced me with love and support. We’re really close. My mom knows everybody, my sister is the chef of the family, and game nights at our house can get pretty competitive. Being surrounded by people who show up for each other has shaped who I am.

Outside of work, I try to stay involved in my community however I can. I believe we’re all connected, and when one person loses support or care, it affects all of us. At the end of the day, I’m just someone who loves his city, his family, and the people around him. I believe we’re stronger when we choose kindness, support, and connection.

I’m Cory, and I live in Missouri.

I’m 21, and a lot of my life is rooted in the everyday things that matter to me: work, school, family, and the people around me. I've finished my associate's degree and am back in school to study special education.. I’ve always loved learning, and teaching is something that really fits who I am.

I’m also a transgender man.

For me, being transgender is just one part of my life. It’s not the whole story. I want to live my life, do the work I care about, and be part of my community without hiding.

My dad, Jeff, has been one of the most important people in my life, and I’d love for you to hear from him.

I’m Jeff, Cory’s dad. I always say I’m just a regular parent. When Cory came out, we didn’t rush into anything. We took time to ask questions, talk with doctors and connect with support groups because we wanted to understand what Cory was experiencing and make thoughtful decisions as a family.

I’ll be honest: this was new to me at first. But as a parent, you want your child to be safe, supported, and able to grow into the person they are. Our family is living proof that being transgender is real.

At the end of the day, we’re just a family trying to support our kid and build a good life together.