Allison Washington
Aug 8, 2017 · 1 min read

In truth, I myself have led a sicker life as a consequence of being trans.

When I was younger I had a lot of mental health issues that were driven by dysphoria and the mistreatment I received at the hands of cis people: anxiety disorders and panic attacks, severe PTSD, depression, suicidality, and substance abuse. I’m in pretty good shape now, but it’s taken decades following transition to overcome this legacy. As to the length of my life, that remains to be seen: there has been some permanent damage done to my body.

I shudder to think what would have become of me in the absence of access to transition.

❤ Allison

Allison Washington

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Journalist & essayist. Reporting from Cairo.