A non-binary person who struggled for years to get their name changed says they finally have a better sense of self since making their new name official.
Quibs Brown, 22, knew they weren't male nor female since they were in their late teens.
But when they realised they were non-binary, they struggled to sort out paperwork to have their name changed.
Quibs, from Grimsby, had a difficult time at school and claims they were beaten up every single day.
They also had to put up with nasty jibes from people telling them to take their own life.
Now, after finally making their new name official, Quibs hopes to move on from their old name which carries painful memories.
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Although Quibs knows they will still have to face opposition from people who don't understand non-binary gender identity, they are relieved to finally feel safe and comfortable in their own body.
They said: "I'm over the moon with this, it's one of the best things to ever happen to me.
"My other name never represented me, but this is what I've always wanted. Now my name is non-binary, just like me.
"It's amazing for this to finally happen, when I was younger I never thought this would be possible. It's made me much more comfortable."
Although Quibs says some people might not understand, they acknowledge that plenty of people do get it, and added it's not a choice to be non-binary.
"It's just who we are," they said.
"I never thought this day would come though if I'm honest. I feel as though I've finally achieved my dream. Writing forms using my dead name is now a thing of the past, now I can actually be me.
"It may sound strange, but even being able to sign documents with my new name was ace, it was the start of everything for me."
Despite Quibs's relief to finally be able to use their new name officially, they are expecting backlash.
They added: "I expect some people to be against this, but I'm quite thick skinned.
"Now I have officially changed my name, it's much simpler for me to explain things.
"Many may still question it, but if I experience hatred I will just attempt to walk away, it wouldn't be the first time this has happened.
Do you have a real life story to share? Email jessica.taylor@reachplc.com
"LGBTQ+ people deserve to live the life they want and hopefully in the future we can make the world a safe place for all."
