Exclusive: Jesse Sullivan Reveals The Moment He Decided To Share His Story With The World
Once upon a time, Jesse Sullivan wasn't sure how much of his truth he wanted to share with the world. However, one moment changed that - and today, he's using his story to help others.
TheThings sat down with the trans activist to hear more about what prompted him to open up to the world, and how it's affected his life, now that he has.
Jesse Sullivan Opens Up About The DM That Changed Everything
As a vocal trans activist, it may come as a shock to many that at one point, Jesse Sullivan wasn't sure he wanted to share that he was trans.
"It was in the middle of the pandemic, I was pretty newly transitioning, and I remember laying in bed at night deciding if I wanted to tell the world that I was trans, or just blend in as a cis man," he recounts.
However, in an instant, one DM made the choice for him.
"That same night, a 13-year-old DM'd me, saying he was trans and struggling and needed some guidance. I knew, in that moment, I was going to tell the world my story."
For Jesse, telling his story was about more than him - it was an opportunity to help those who needed it most.
"I just really want to comfort those who need it. It's hard enough to be a kid or a teenager, but to have almost the whole world against you? I'm going to change that."
And just like that, his mission to creating the world he wanted to see began.
Jesse Explains How Life Has Changed, Since Sharing His Story
Jesse may be on a path to change the world, but that's not to say it's been an easy walk.
Quite the contrary, he shares that there have been challenges along the way.
"The biggest struggle," he begins, "is constantly putting really vulnerable parts of myself out there for millions to see. All the time, with no break."
However, he has no regrets.
"I wouldn't change it for anything. We thrive in moments of vulnerability, and in moments of self-reflection. My fear is stagnancy. I just want to keep growing."
Jesse Shares The Most Rewarding Part About Sharing His Truth
As for the most rewarding aspects of putting himself out there and openly advocating for the wider LGBTQIA+ community, Jesse reiterates that his primary goal is to be a support to those who need it.
"Having people of all ages reach out and say I helped them in some way is so rewarding," he shares - and it's something he's come to experience, more and more.
"I've had 50-year-old trans people, 13-year-old non-binary kids, and parents of four-year-olds who are showing signs of not identifying with their gender assigned at birth all reach out to me, saying I've comforted or helped in some way. That's all I want."
Mission accomplished - though, something tells us this is the beginning of big things for Jesse.
He Also Muses On Being Recognized More Often
Given how many people he's helped, it only makes sense that Jesse's public profile has grown - and though he doesn't consider himself famous, he shares that he's aware of being recognized more often, especially when out and about with his teenager, Arlo.
"I definitely noticed a shift when Arlo and I started getting stopped for pictures with fans."
Jesse even shares that at one point, "it almost became overwhelming to be at malls, Targets or theme parks."
However, far from being averse to the attention, he smiles that even though it took some getting used to, both he and Arlo are grateful for it.
"It's pretty amazing, it warms our hearts, and we appreciate every single person who supports us."
So, he urges with a chuckle, "if you see us, don't be shy. Come say hi!"
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