I recognize that that’s the reality for most trans people. “I’m just affirming what I’ve always been” makes sense and I respect it. However, this is a point where my own experience differs from the standard narrative. Unlike the common gender story, I actually perceive myself as two people. Serah started as a voice in Steve’s head, and developed her own personality and expression congruent with his. Later on, both decided that they were happier being Serah by default and to physically transition (that was the ‘becoming’ part.) But I never felt a need to erase my male identity, nor to revise my lifelong history. Steve’s even still around, as a voice in Serah’s head now. I know this is idiosyncratic but it’s my personal truth.