Heidi
“Being a woman to me, is a lifelong journey of self-expression that barges past the limitations imposed by a sexist society.”
Heidi is deeply thoughtful. She’s someone that may appear silent, but it’s only because she’s working to listen to her thoughts and understand her emotions. Heidi is also remarkably brave. She is determined to overcome damaging societal expectations which have tried to tell her who to be. Heidi began her journey to transition amidst the COVID-19 pandemic - already a time of immense uncertainty. But her courage led her through this process, and she now she is more free than ever; she is free to be herself, to love and accept herself for who she truly is. Now she is unapologetically Heidi. This is her story.
P: Please introduce yourself!
H: My name is Heidi, born and raised in the Philippines but have been living in Japan for 4 years now. I am half Japanese and half Filipino and a proud member of the LGBT+ community.
P: Describe or define yourself in your own words.
H: It’s always a challenge describing myself more so define who I am. I’m an overthinker plagued with layers and layers of thoughts, sometimes spacing out whenever, wherever. Distant and detached, sometimes seemingly indifferent, nonetheless my emotions scream where I’m mute, only that I keep it to myself. Rather a mercurial mind in a world entirely of my own.
P: What is your favorite thing about yourself?
H: I’m pretty impulsive and spontaneous that I take as much stuffing out of any potential relief. So, if it sparks happiness, I either buy it or do it and enjoy the most out of it.
P: Tell us a story. Have you had an experience that’s defined you or made you stronger?
H: I started my journey to transition (MTF) July of 2020, amidst the pandemic. And I believe that this experience highlights a major milestone in my life. In that I freed myself from a gnawing affliction that has kept me from being who I am and I chose love, a love that has become an antidote to my fears.
P: What is one piece of advice you would give to your younger self?
H: ‘You are a smart child and an intuitive one at that. Move forward, follow your gut and who you will become will be well worth all your sufferings.’
P: What does being a woman mean to you?
H: Being a woman is who I identify with despite being told I am not, unapologetically. Being a woman is a sister who empowers other women — especially those who have faced more barriers than I do — regardless of race, age, shape, gender, class, and sexual orientation. Being a woman to me, is a lifelong journey of self-expression that barges past the limitations imposed by a sexist society.