For most of her childhood, Laura wanted to be a boy. In her 20s, she began hormone therapy, had surgery and lived as Jake for nine years. But she could never quite shake the feeling that none of it was real. "I remember looking at the photo on my driver's license and saying, 'I'm not as happy as I think I am.'" In this episode, Laura shares her remarkable story of desperation, hope and transformation.

Guest: Laura Perry Smalts

Show notes:

• Transgender to Transformed by Laura Perry Smalts*
• Java #396 Diverse Gender Identities: How to See the People Behind the Issue
• Java #397 How to Help Families Navigate Questions About Gender Identity
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*Affiliate link. AI may earn fees.