My name is Matthew Ryan Stewart and I'm transgender. I was born as a girl named Destiny Hope Stewart. I went by my nickname Miley. It was during freshman year of high school that I realized that I liked girls. I tried to hide it by fawning over guys. But by my freshman year of college I realized that I not only liked girls but I was not comfortable in my own skin. I realized that I identified as a guy not as a girl. This is my story. The day I came home from Harvard law school I had already started dressing like a guy and going by the name Matthew Ryan Stewart. Before I came back to Malibu I bought an apartment so that I wouldn't have to face my dad and brother right away because I was terrified of their reaction to my announcement. Once I got settled in my apartment I went over to Lilly's house to ask her for moral support. I knock on the door and wait for someone to answer it. A familiar voice comes through the door asking who is it. "It's me Lils it's Miley." I says in my naturally deep voice. The door is flung open and I'm pulled into a bone crushing hug. 'I'm so glad you're back Miles!' Lilly says as she releases me from the hug. "Me too Lil me too." I say as I scratch my super short hair.
'Why do you look like a guy Miles?' Lilly asks as she gets a good look at me. "Because I'm a transgender guy named Matthew Ryan Stewart. I'll leave now." I say to her before looking down at the ground ready for her to reject me. 'Wait Matthew don't leave yet.' Lilly says as she grabs my hand and holds it tight. "You don't think I'm disgusting for dressing up as a guy??" I ask her in astonishment. 'Of course not!! You're still my best friend even if you're a guy now.' Lilly says as she smiles warmly at me. "Thanks for being so cool and understanding." I say as I pull her into a bone crushing hug. 'Its what best friends are for.' Lilly says as we break the hug."Will you come with me tomorrow to have dinner with my dad and brother?? I need you for moral support." I say running my hand through my super short hair. 'Of course. What time do I need to be ready by Matt?' Lilly asks as she smiles at me. "Dinner is at seven so I'll be here to pick you up around 6:45." I say before turning around walking down the driveway to my motorcycle. I put on my helmet, leather riding jacket and gloves before starting the bike and speeding off back to my apartment. -The next night at 6:45- I walk up to her door and ring the bell before waiting for someone to open it. The door opens to reveal Lilly wearing a white button up shirt, black jeans and a leather jacket. "S-s-shall we go?" I ask stuttering before handing her my spare motorcycle helmet. 'Lead the way. Nice bike by the way.' She says before putting on the helmet and getting on the bike behind me. I Kickstart the bike and we speed off to my Dad and brothers place. -Ten minutes later we arrive at the house- I turn off the bike and get off feeling nervous. 'Its going to be ok Matt. No matter how they react you'll still have me.' Lilly says before pulling me down for a kiss. I tense up before melting into the kiss. "You don't know how long I've been waiting for you to do that I say looking down at Lilly. 'Probably just as long as I have. Now lets go in.' Lilly says before pulling into the house.
I see my dad and brother sitting on the couch watching Tennessee football. "Hey Daddy. Hey Jackson." I say nervously. "Hey sis." Jackson says without looking away from the TV. "Hey bud." My dad says never looking away from the TV. 'Hey Jackson, Mr. Stewart.' Lilly says brightly. "Hey Lilly." My dad and brother both say. "Is dinner ready yet?" I ask. "Yeah we were just waiting on you." My dad says getting up off the couch and walking into the kitchen. Lilly and I follow him with Jackson bringing up the rear. We sit down at the table. "Dad, Jackson I have something to tell you." I say putting down my silverware. Lilly grabs my hand and squeezes it to show her support. I take a deep breath before blurting out "I'm transgender! I identify as a boy!" "YOU'RE WHAT?!?! My dad screams looking at me. "I'm transgender and have been living as a guy named Matthew Ryan Stewart since I left for Harvard." I say looking at my dad with dread. "I'm glad you finally figured it out sis." My brother says looking at me before getting up and pulling me into a hug. "Get out!! I never want to see you again!! You're dead to me MILEY RAY STEWART!" My dad screams as points at the door. I get up from the table and run outside with unshed tears sparkling in my eyes. 'Matt wait!' I hear Lilly's voice call out before I hop on my bike and speed off. "Matthew Ryan Stewart boys don't cry." I say to myself.
