Fredericton Pride Week panel discusses transgender issues

When Reid Lodge was 19 years old he faced a very difficult conversation with his family and friends.

He was assigned female at birth but realized that he identified as a male.

Lodge, now 24, is transgender and he's speaking out to help people who may be going through the same kind of experience.

"I think it's really important for people to see out trans people who are willing to be open about their experiences," said Lodge. "It's just something that doesn't always come up unless you see it happening."

But Lodge says he didn't know transgender people existed until he was in high school.

"Ihad only seen trans peopleon television and that's not always good a representation it's not really an accurate depiction of what trans people go through or what trans people are actually like."

Transitioning

Lodge lived his life as a lesbian for several years before transitioning. The process was quick for him, but still came with several challenges.

"Itwas a period of about six months where I shifted from identifying as a woman to identifying as a man," said Lodge.

"It was very difficult. There's a lot of constant coming out you have to do. I had to tell my my family, my friends, people at work, my teachers at school and classmates."

When Lodge told his family,he was overwhelmed with support. He told his father in an email while he was away for work and a few days later he responded.

When you do realize this has been happening to you your whole life and you didn't know exactly what it was you're kind of reevaluating your whole life.- Reid Lodge

"He shifted over to using a new name and pronouns right away." he said. "Mybrother actually, when I came out to himsaid 'I've always wanted a brother.'"

But at timesLodge struggled while transitioning,something he believes wouldn't have happened had he learned about transgender people growing up.

"I had a lot of anxiety and depression going on at the same time. When you do realize this has been happening to you your whole life and you didn't know exactly what it was you're kind of reevaluating your whole life." he said.

"New Brunswick in general has a long way to go."

Lodge now speaks out about transgender issues and is comfortable talking to people about his own experiences transitioning. He'sawaiting surgery that isn't funded in New Brunswick to further his transition.

"I definitely think New Brunswick in general has a long way to go," said Lodge. "We struggle with basic issues like access to appropriate health care... a lot of people in New Brunswick just aren't aware of transgender people or what they go through or how to appropriately speak about transgender people."

Lodge istaking part in a panel discussion tonight at theCrownePlaza ontransgenderissues in New Brunswick as a part of Fredericton Pride Week.

Hehas hopes that Pride Week will shine some light on these types of issues, and make it easier for transgenderpeople to talk about their experiences and the struggles they face.

"There are people in theircommunity who they can go to to talk about these things. Educating people on general things like appropriate pronoun use or using correct names can go a long way in helping transgender people feel comfortable."

"Before I came outI was constantly uncomfortable and I didn't know why. Now when I get up and get dressed in the morning I don't really have to think about it I just do it and go about the rest of my day. It's a huge struggle I don't have to go through anymore."