Amanda Dean

About Amanda

• Knew she liked to dress up in girls' clothes, but didn't have transgender peers, so wasn't sure how to express herself.
• Spent most of her childhood feeling like there was something "wrong" with her.
• Found a "safe place" at her university, where people were more open about expressing their sexualities and identities.
• Once she felt comfortable, she left one semester as "Adam," came back as Amanda.
• Was terrified that she would lose her family, friends once she came out, but found a surprising amount of support.
• Has dealt with depression, has seen trans friends commit suicide; says it's an everyday struggle.
• Chose the name Amanda as an homage to the name that her parents had given her.
• Says you should always value your own happiness over financial success, or the need to appease others.