Sometimes, we aren’t born in the right body. You may be a woman born in a man’s body or a man born in a woman’s body. Sometimes it can be an easy fix, other times it’s difficult. With me, it was a bit difficult.

It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to know that being different is okay. You’re different than anyone else, and that’s great! If everyone was the same, the world would be boring. Everyone should be accepted as they are.

On June 3rd, 2004, a beautiful baby girl was born. Her name was Samantha Kay Sallee. She was welcomed into a huge family, city and country. Her parents always thought she’d be their little girl.

Ever since I was 7, I’ve known there was something off. I always played with the boys. I got dirty during football, played with weapons, anything the boys could do, I could too. It was just natural.

“You’re our little girl,” they’d say. I’d always smile and nod, feeling different. They’d call me a tomboy, still forcing me into dresses or skirts with frills. It never felt right.

As I got older, I shied away from anything girly. If it had a bit of girl in it, I denied it. Boy’s clothes felt better and looked better on me. I was content with my choices.

I knew I’d love to be a boy. When I turned 14, thanks to online resources that were getting popular, I found my chance. I used most of my free time researching the term “transgender”. I finally felt confident in who I was.

“Dad, I’m a boy, not a girl.” My dad looked at me like I was insane.

“No, you’re not. You’re a female, you were born that way.” He pushed me away and continued what he was doing.