Jackson Evangelista is a transgender male living in New Jersey, who always knew he felt “different” than other people. In the summer of 2015, he began to explore what being transgender meant, largely through Tumblr and YouTube. However, the thought of telling his family and friends terrified him, mostly because he didn’t know how to start the conversation of coming out to them. He was relieved when everyone that he told was supportive and accepting, and he transitioned from female to the male he has long known himself to be. Jackson has felt compelled to share his story on behalf of other youth, who he hopes may have an easier time than he.

“I have amplified my voice in the hope that my peers would feel inspired and encouraged to use their voices as well.”