Munroe Bergdorf has said she became “extremely self-destructive” prior to her transition, and has stressed the importance of supporting “marginalised young people who are struggling”.
To mark the arrival of 2020, many social media users have been reminiscing about the progression of their lives over the past decade, sharing side-by-side pictures of themselves taken 10 years ago compared to today.
On 1 January, transgender model and activist Bergdorf shared a comparison post on Twitter and Instagram, including a picture that was captured in 2009 before she underwent her transition.
In her caption, the 32-year-old explained that she partly ”feels strange about sharing pre-transition pictures” of herself, adding that the year 2009 “was a very dark time” for her.
“I felt lost, unhappy and didn’t speak about who I was or what I was feeling,” she wrote. “The idea of medically transitioning had me shook, I was terrified and lacked the support or finances to make it happen.”
Bergdorf stated that she became “extremely self-destructive” during that period of her life, partaking in activities that made her feel “numb”.
She outlined how the pressure and media attention she has experienced over the past few years “pales in comparison” to where she was in her life in 2009.
“This is why I won’t shut up about self-empowerment, self-love and the importance of supporting services that help marginalised young people who are struggling – because I know what it’s like to completely give up on yourself and have others give up on you too, these services are VITAL, especially in this time of austerity and cuts,” the activist stated.
“This decade has been more than a glow up. It’s been a rebirth. I’m happy, loved, supported and achieving things that I never ever dreamt of.”
Bergdorf wrote that while she was in school she dreamt of working with the UN, a dream that was realised last month when she was announced an advocate for UN Women UK.
“If I can be an emblem of anything, I hope it’s a symbol of what can happen when you believe in yourself and are supported,” the model said.
“To anyone reading this who feels how I felt in 2009. Don’t give up. You are loved. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. You can win, let yourself win.”
Several people praised Bergdorf for spreading her message of empowerment.
“Thank you for sharing your story and truth,” RuPaul’s Drag Race judge Michelle Visage wrote on Instagram.
“This will help so many people who are struggling and need to see that they are not alone.”
“Thank you for being a constant source of inspiration,” commented American drag performer Milk.
.jpg?w=600)
