Trans man from Rhyl on how he now experiences 'male privilege'

George Evans, 30, was born female and transitioned ten years ago.

Now happy in himself, George was shocked when he started to experience male privilege.

He noticed people would “listen” to him, “respect” him more and he no longer felt “scared” to walk alone.

George, a graphic designer, from Rhyl, said: “I didn’t expect the male privilege.

“It was really strange.

“It’s a bittersweet feeling. Why was I not treated like that before?

“I remember feeling ignored before. I’m listened to more 100%.

“I don’t feel as scared.”

George Evans transistioned ten years ago. Image: SWNS

George, who is also a trans speaker and activist, grew up in a small rural town and both he and his twin sister, Ashleigh, 30, hated wearing dresses.

George with twin sister Ashleigh. Image SWNS

He said: “Me and my sister both dressed the same. We hated dresses.

“We wore tracksuits and trainers.”

He didn’t consider his identity much until aged 19 and he started watching coming out videos – and spotted one of a trans man.

George said: “Everything this man said ticked a box for me.

“I was terrified to relate to it.”

George Evans transistioned ten years ago. Image: SWNS

George went to university and began to socially transition – changing his name and cutting his hair.

He went on to start medically transitioning in 2015 and started testosterone before having top surgery in 2016.

George Evans transistioned ten years ago. Image: SWNS

The physical changes were not a surprise for George but the privilege that came with it was.

George said: “It took a lot of getting used to.

“Women move out of my way when I’m walking.

“I’ve lived both experiences.”

When he started university he started to appear socially as male and already started to feel less scared about walking alone in the dark.

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  George said: “I used to go to see my sister at night for tea.

  “There was an alley way you’d have to walk through. My sister would say you need an rape alarm but I said I was male passing.

  “I don’t get followed.

  “There’s a huge difference.”

  George is now very conscious of his fiancé, Rhi, 28, a sales assistant, walking their dog at night and what she experiences from other men.

  He said: “If we go out to a bar it’s as if I’m invisible.

  “If I’m holding my wife-to-be’s hand and a man finds her attractive he’ll still cat call.

  “It’s insane the difference.”

  George says he feels like an “undercover spy” who is “exposing cis white male privilege”.

  He said: “A lot of men comment saying ‘you don’t understand what it’s like to be a man or a boy’ or ‘this isn’t real’.

  “But in the eyes of society I’m a 30 year old man.

  “I’m a white man – I have privilege.”

  George speaks about his experiences on social media and goes round the country talking to companies and schools about it.

  He said: “Having a trans man talk about identity would have helped me massively.

  “It’s the soul reason I’m doing this.”