Lucas* is a 15-year-old who realised in intermediate school that he was different. He tried to ignore what he was feeling, but his mental health plummeted and earlier this year he tried to take his own life.
Lucas was afraid to tell his parents he was transgender, and although his teachers and friends were a great support, hiding his real identity from his parents was a struggle. Lucas suffered from severe anxiety. He says, “I cannot remember much prior to when I was 11 years old, I think my brain blocked it out because I couldn’t handle the bullying and reactions of others.”
At his school formal, Lucas was forced to wear a dress, despite pleading to wear a suit. He says, “I began to realise I was different, and I wasn’t who I wanted to be and who I really was.”
Lucas finally found the courage to come out to his parents, but after he tried to take his own life, decided he had to make a change. He sought the help of Presbyterian Support, and this is where Family Worker, Emily* began working with him.
