I was in the shower when I realized I don't have to be a woman if I don't want to. I started my gender journey and down the road, my two best friends (one a trans woman and one a cis man) started using "he" pronouns before I even thought about it. I thought "Hmmm, I like that."
I started T at Planned Parenthood. I didn't even change my name then. Just being around other trans men made me see the possibilities. I was able to get top surgery within 2 years. My doctor was head of plastic surgery for Northwell Health. He was great, but Medicaid dragged along the process. Now 2 years post op, I find the gym and barbershop are the best places to be a man.