An inspiration for all in pursuing self-acceptance, self-love, and self-worth.
Everyone is unique; let’s never forget that. However, there are people with common thoughts and, for want of better words, gender dysphoria. Sometimes, one is born, and usually, from early on, they know deep down in their soul that something isn’t matching up. Most try to hide these feelings away, conceal them due to confusion, or avoid social backlash.
Others stand up, stay proud, and fight for what will make them happy. It is never easy; anyone who says it doesn’t want to admit to the heartache and emotional trauma they experienced.
On a personal level, I can tell you that I have certainly struggled with gender dysphoria for a long time now. There are things I want and don’t want; I would love to have been born a boy, but I wasn’t, and from a medical point of view, I am not willing to transition. However, “top surgery” has been on my mind.
I came across this story about Viktor Belmont not too long ago, and I was so inspired and emotionally rocked that I just had to share it with you all.
There are people out there chasing their dreams and reaching them. Viktor is one of these people and nothing short of a great human being.
He is currently 25 years old and living in San Francisco. Recently, at The Hookies, awards show that honours the best in the male escorting industry, he won Best Newcomer.
Of course, Viktor had some doubts, which he raised when he spoke to BuzzFeed about the achievement; “With the industry having a huge focus on bodies and anatomy, I was concerned I might not be accepted into the awards because of being trans.”
Ultimately, Viktor won Best Newcomer through an online vote and with the support of his fellow male escorts.
Everyone has struggles and inner demons, fighting to be free and loved for who they are. People need people. People need examples of hope. Viktor wants to be that person for anyone who needs it. That is why this story is essential.
“I want to be accessible to people. I want people to know I have their back. That I believe in them,” he said.
Viktor has a lot of scars, but he describes his top surgery scars as his favourites. “They’re this warm, gentle reminder of how hard I’ve worked to be me… They’re my ultimate love note.”
He couldn’t afford his top surgery until just last year. It was difficult to get employed after dropping out of high school, and employers were mostly confused by his gender.
Knowing how badly you want something, but having legit setbacks like money troubles, can lead one to extreme methods. Viktor was binding his chest with Ace bandages – an unsafe form practised by many lesbians I know.
As a result, his ribs are now uneven. He would wear them all day and all night, cut into his tender body, and bleed around his underarms. I understand how hard it can be to not want something on your body to the point where such physical pain doesn’t even compare to the emotional pain you are experiencing.
Viktor is a survivor; his story is a reminder that even when you feel you’ve hit rock bottom and at that point, you feel like there is no light, you have to believe it will be okay, you have to keep pushing, you are worth it!
Viktor didn’t think he would make it past 21, but now he feels whole; he is complete within himself. Everyone deserves to feel that way. We have to find a way to love and accept ourselves.
You can follow Viktor here on Instagram and Tumblr.
