Julia Kaye is a 28-year-old cartoonist living in Los Angeles. She's already famous from her webcomic 'Up And Out', but last year a big change came to her life - she became a transgender woman. This was clearly a very hard step to make and Julia went and is still going through many challenges that bring both melancholic and optimistic feelings.
With encouragement from her friends, Julia started to make comics about her transition. The series focuses on her feelings, moments of insecurity or triumph while reaching important personal milestones, such as buying a dress for the first time, learning how to use eyeliner, and talking about her transition to her family and friends.
The artist found this process very therapeutic - "It got me to set aside time at the end of my day to reflect on how I was feeling. And because I was making the comics for myself, I allowed myself to be more honest than I might have been otherwise." Eventually Kaye decided to share the comics publicly, realizing she could give other trans people content that they could directly relate to, and the feeling that they're not alone, as well as give others insight into what it's like to live with gender dysphoria. Check them out!
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I've got tears, thoughts and smiles.. A real empathy booster and an awesome, brave and talented artist.. I adore Julia! Hugs from denmark
Save your vitriolic b******t. No one here cares about your narrow minded opinion. Rejecting a fundamental aspect of one's identity would be to repress who they truly feel they are, day after day, for a lifetime. Gender is about more than private parts, and if you don't know that or can't grasp that then you have no business contributing your opinion.
This series is giving me back some faith in humanity. Thank you.
There is an universal truth in this. Too often, we develop anxiety about something, only to realize that we worried for nothing. Story of my life...
😱💜 this is great, just changing "when you were a guy", to "when I thought you were a guy" makes the phrase change from underhandedly transphobic, to a way of showing validation while discussing something from before being out. What an amazing friend!
They shouldn't exist, but they DO exist and as such have a right to continue to exist (i.e. not be killed or forcefully brainwashed) and have all human right that come with existing, including expressing their opinion, raising their kids as they wish to and fighting for things they value. I'm conflicted about this.
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And they're the ones you were going to end up jobless and on the streets doing drugs. you're going to be successful and strong and we'll meet somebody that will make you happy and you can look back on your high school days laughing all the way to the bank.
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Don't be mad at them, or scared of them, and don't change the way you view yourself because of them. Don't waste your precious time. They just don't get it. Keep spreading awareness like you do, and hopefully, their kids will know better. And PLEASE, GO ON EXISTING! We need you...
I used to think like that about people who were getting all mad at gay people existing, or science-deniers and all that as well as the transphobia, but then I learned, definitively, that they have no logical reason for their dislike and are therefore "the problem", not people like me. Essentially, I let my ego benefit me for a change in order to put those people down by treating myself as superior to them.
Oh the hell you should young lady! You're an amazingly talented artist, I admire your courage, strength and the unbroken, sweet outlook you have on your own life and on those around you, even the ones that hurt you by being careless or actually malicious. You go girl, I'm a huge fan already.
You think of them, and their message, the same way you'd think of a rabies virus, or a mosquito-born illness...it exists in the world but it's bad for you and has no positive function. They are the psychic equivalent of malaria.
Those who try to limit others are mentally and emotionally limited in their understanding.
I think it is dumb that people have such a a strong reaction to something that does not effect them personally.
Actually, I have prejudice against some kinds of trans or genderfluid people just because they behave the way everybody owes them something and they are sooo deeply hurt by the way things are in the world. But I think I would like you as a friend or just a person being around. You make me feel more positive and comfortable about all of this. Thanks!
This is exactly what they want. I dont know where all this hate comes from, but they arent criticizing you in any way. They are just doing their best to make you feel bad.
People who spread hate and negativity should just stop and think that they are speaking to a fellow human being. They might as well hate someone for how they tie their shoelaces.
Now no mean to intrefere but nobody should "not exist" on either side of the argument. Whether supportive or not everyone should be able to have a strong opinion, and everyone should accept that as that person's opinion without letting it effect their own personal thoughts, belifs, morals, and truly their own soul.While meanwhile everybody can still politly agree disagree, and debate kindly.
You DO exist, and should exist. Thransphobia, homophobia, these are ignorant people, or, they secretly harbor some similar feelings, and don't dare be open to anyone. So, they take that fear, and unresolved rage, and try to make someone else miserable. Just don't say a word. At all. It shouts them down well. And if they continue, contact the FBI for internet harassment ! They are easy to find, most times. They don't know how to hide their own lazy, ignorant asses!
Some will always exist. You can't change other people, only yourself, as is evidenced!
people like to say that external validation shouldn't mean anything... but it soooo does for everyone. Of course i want other people to like me, and not put me down, or invalidate my experiences because they haven't had to deal with them. The downer to being a social species... but also an upper when you gain a support network that can help keep you up when others get ya down.
You know, sometimes people are just tired or distracted ;) I've been called "Mr" by a cashier last week and I am a cis woman, I have long hair and currently huge tits thanks to breastfeeding. These kind of professions see a lot of people a day and repeating the same sentences again and again.... They are likely to make mistakes, you know, just like the kids that call the teacher "Mum" ;p Yet, I understand it can hurt your feelings. You don't need to grow a thicker skin for that (I'm affraid you're armor will have better use), you just have to realise you're a beautiful woman and that those kind of error are just scatterbrain mistakes.
I have to admit. Its a little hard for me to accept transgenders or, their lifestyle choices. But one things for sure: judging isnt an option. They are people, and not creatures like some people treat them as. Im glad Julie has loving friends in her life :)
Weren't you "Julie" in another comic? Or just a nickname perhaps. That name would be harder to mishear.
Welcome to the world of tall and insecure girls. This thing was so normal for me but i went over it.
I can never get it right. I struggle to the point that I get two different thick lines and get irritated
They're probably just trying to be nice and upset you 😔 I've seen it in person
Spent a Saturday night at a police station once, about a year and half into my transition... The officer refused to accept that my drivers license was mine...
I was washing up in the ladies' room last week and the lady using the sink next to me turned to me and said, "I just love your hair!" The effects of HRT are starting to show. Even at age 66. It's amazing,exciting, and wonderful!
I know many women that wear and buy guy cloths so I'd say wearing them occasionally would still be acceptable unless it makes you feel awkward then do what you need to do.
of course not! there's plenty of women with deep voices. think of cher! wonderful voice and nobody would question her femininity for that! :)
Sweetie, unfortunately, we girls have this talent for being our own worst critic.
You've discovered one of the unfortunate truths of female life. Welcome to the new normal!
It's so odd how people (includong me at times) add needless gender markers into our passing comments to strangers. Never realized this as much until I started transitioning.
I wish these weren't posted out of order with her transition timeline.
But... you're a woman ! That's why :D Every woman thinks like that, lol ! <3
This also happens to women who change their last name when they get married - takes forever to change everything over - seems like an endless process.
Unfortunately it comes with being a woman in our society :) sad, but women do have a hard time accepting compliments. And when we do - we are considered conceited (who does she think she is? She ain't all that). You are gorgeous!
Walking past a shop-facade can be hard those days... Now, 20+ laser treatments in, I'm finally all but free from dark facial hair...
That means you really are a woman, because all of us feel insecure (woman's beauty standards are so unreal and depressing for each of us).. Just never forget to love yourself for who you are ! You are so strong and brave, keep going forward girl !
Omg, what it's like to talk to a therapist? I never talked to one, i feel like they are just like everyone, they point their finger to their head and they say: "Your problem is you, not your body". Idk, does a therapist at least hear us and confort? They seem like they are there to say: "You are transgender" or "You are not transgender" , I don't want to talk to someone and say: "I'm 100% sure is this what i want" so they let me be who I'm. If I say: "I'm not really sure, this is so confusing", it looks like they will say: "SO YOU ARE CONFUSED, YOU ARE NOT TRANSGENDER, OUR SECTION IS OVER, NEXT"
As someone who had a close friend transition it was a little hard switching pronouns and I felt horrible but eventually we got there.
I just started my transition five months ago, and it feels like it's barely moving at all...your comics are enormously helpful and reassuring to me...oh, and inspiring!
Women shave their faces, too. Selma Hayek. The chick who just married Joe Manegiello...from Modern Family (can't remember her name). Beautiful women. So don't be ashamed. Plenty of women have facial hair. Screw people who care.
even though your comics are black and white, from where I sit, it seems like you can see all shades of all colours, and you are amazing at showing it to others as well. thank you for your amazing rainbow of positive thoughts and emotions. we all got a lot to learn from you.
Never thoight I would cole out to my extended family (very VERY Catholic) but when I did they all said "oh Teddy, we already fogured that out!" It was surprising, in a good way.
You are beautiful, with and without makeup. Gender is about how you feel, not about how you look, even though it's not wrong to be self-conscious. My sister recently got a super short haircut and people always mistake her for a boy, but she is proud of how she looks and always makes sure to correct them.
Looking at you because you are beautiful maybe? It does happen to beautiful women!
It's hard, you're not lying for him though. You're saving yourself the mental energy of explaining to every person who asks.
Why not just create a new FB with the information that you transitioned. That way it isn't as if you are lying to anyone, especially yourself, yet you have moved on from your prior existence. Who you were is not any less real. You have changed into another phase of who you truly are.
Hey, anybody else get the impression that Jasminka has a bunch of alternate accounts that she uses to upvote/downvote things multiple times?
Was reading through these comics, especially the ones where you see yourself as a man in the mirror (or where other people call you sir etc) and I started wondering what you looked like, so I looked at your instagram for a pic. If I hadn't seen these comics, I wouldn't have known you're a transgender :) You're a pretty cute woman. (PS: I love your hair.)
Right?? I went and looked through her Instagram pics after reading your comment and I CANNOT believe she gets called sir looking like that!! Maybe she's got a lower voice? I dunno. But she looks feminine, natural, and lovely.
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You are a gorgeous young woman. Julia, you are brave beyond description and an inspiration to trans people. Not to mention... you're an amazing artist.
To all who feel uncomfortable in the skin they were given, be who you want to be and don't let the narrow minded a*s holes get you down. It shouldn't matter what you were born as, it matters who you are. If you're a good person that also feels good inside and out, you're all you need to be. Much love!
Tettsui Sevens, with you, I'm less worried about your skin than your mind, which is hateful and prejudiced and ignorant. You should fix that, before you find out how terrible it is.
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I wish there wasn't, but unfortunately it it happens on every post which is really sad.
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YOU ARE ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL , AND DONT LET ANYONE TELL YOU OTHER WISE. TEAM JULIA!!!
This brought me to tears and melted my heart. It's given me motivation to get to my weight goal. Thank you so much I LOVE YOU!!!!
You're a beautiful human being, i don't understand why some people have to be so judgemental when it comes to this topic. I mean do we have to fit into a certain box? Can't we just allow people to be how they feel comfortable ❤🌈
Awesome! You go, girl!! I know it's hard, but please remember that you are not alone! You've got tons of people who love and accept you, strangers and loved ones.
I've read the comics, nd the comments... now here is mine. In a world of war, hunger,homelessness,abuse,terrorism, murder and lack of basic human decency anymore...SCREW THE HATERS! Be who you want to be and be happy, don't let anyone bring you down. Enough darkness in this world.. be a ray of light!
Well I just got a notification that someone replied to a comment I left on here a while ago and with the way this piece of s**t website is set up, I can't even find my comment to see what was said to me X) I've scrolled through all the comments on this article and mine is nowhere to be found. eventhough the comment id is in the f*****g url above the page... "fb_comment_id=fbc_1444646635612984_1576401285770851_1576401285770851" FIX YOUR S**T LOL
I've never been moved to tears (joy and pain both) by a comic before. You are amazing.
I really appreciate you sharing this, and you are beautiful. Everyone is different and it's better to embrace what is unique about you!
These comics are so intimate, so deep...and you're such a beautiful woman!
So nice not to see hateful comments on the app. I've disliked the fb page and now use the app instead. <3
Yeah, the app is significantly better than reading the FB comments, by far!
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Looking at you I can see nothing but female! And a beautiful one at that! If people don't like you for you then they are not worth it! You are who you are and who you are is perfect! Congratulations on becoming the true you and good luck for the rest of your beautiful journey!
I work at a hotel and a few months ago I checked in an awesome couple. One of them appeared to be a butch lesbian and I called him ma'am. I felt and still feel like an a*s. He was so cool and fun.. his wife was awesome.. then I f****d up and ruined their night.. possibly their whole weekend.
You didn't ruin it. The fact that you felt he was cool and fun and that they were an awesome couple came across in your interactions with them.
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I already thought u were a girl. Ur beautiful. I love ur comic strip
Thank you for sharing your story! It was very moving. I wish you the best of luck moving forward.
How can you have this much will power when you done this. i am with anxiety and depression and negativity i suck at everything - i stopped designing, being creative and i have so much thoughts - i don't want to move or go outside. You go and be successful more.... Wishes.
Thank you for sharing this! A lot of what you've written speaks to cis women too. Welcome to the sisterhood of 'you're only valuable if you conform to traditional standards of beauty'. We're glad you're here with us.
She didn't become a transgender woman. She was a transgender woman to begin with. Perhaps it would be better to say that she "began her transition".
Lovely lady, plenty of cis women need to shave too, (including myself) so don't be so hard on you, kay?
The Skin I Live In (2011) http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1189073/?ref_=nm_knf_i4
Beautiful story, you capture the sense of joy it feels to be you well. :)
These drawings have reached me more than any documentary I have seen about transgender people has. The humanness gets to me more and I can see past the word transgender. I think I might finally be on my way to seeing people who live with this closer to how I should; nevermind that I can't fully understand, they are first and foremost people just like we all are.
I'm glad u were able to achieve your dream. I've seen shows that depict the struggles, "I Am Jazz," and others. I'm sure your post will boost all who were and/or are in your shoes. Thanks for sharing; you have made my morning🌺
I really love the part about the person in your life that you haven't heard from since transition. I can't tell you how many people I know who have claimed to be supportive of me since I've come out but never answer me.
I really love the part about the person in your life that you haven't heard from since transition. I can't tell you how many people I know who have claimed to be supportive of me since I've come out but never answer me.
When I read the title and saw your photo I thought "oh? Why would this pretty lady want to become a man?" Didn't realise it was the other way around! Well done you! It is important to be comfortable in your own skin! I'm glad that it seems like you have a great support network around you :-) happy for you!
My self esteem went a negative a hundred real quick, keep posting and I can finally end my wretched life.
I think you're the one who's delusional. Transgender has been a scientifically-recognized issue for more than 50 years. It's people who are ignorant of science and research who try to claim otherwise. Educate yourself.
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And you are probably forever alone, considering your awful personality
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what do you mean? she is a normal girl already.
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No it is not. It doesn't hurt them, it isn't a disorder. Why do you have to hate on everything?
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There are some people in this world so vain and ignorant enough to make others feel lesser towards them selves because THEY dont aprove of , which is complely idiotic . Who gave you the right to disriminate others, huh? This is whats wrong wih the world nowadays .Although I am only ELEVEN years old , atleast I am intelligent enough to understand the concepts of these things.... It frustrates me to see our once amazing country falling to peices. No matter what happens to the United sates i will always be a proud supporter of the LGBTQ community !!!!
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The thing is, SHE is dealing with it currently, and is fighting against it. She is a beautiful and strong woman and she does what she wants.
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Friend, nobody should be constrained by a random biological process. We do not find ourselves, we create ourselves.
Load More Replies... Hey, anybody else get the impression that Jasminka has a bunch of alternate accounts that she uses to upvote/downvote things multiple times?
Was reading through these comics, especially the ones where you see yourself as a man in the mirror (or where other people call you sir etc) and I started wondering what you looked like, so I looked at your instagram for a pic. If I hadn't seen these comics, I wouldn't have known you're a transgender :) You're a pretty cute woman. (PS: I love your hair.)
Right?? I went and looked through her Instagram pics after reading your comment and I CANNOT believe she gets called sir looking like that!! Maybe she's got a lower voice? I dunno. But she looks feminine, natural, and lovely.
Load More Replies... You are a gorgeous young woman. Julia, you are brave beyond description and an inspiration to trans people. Not to mention... you're an amazing artist.
To all who feel uncomfortable in the skin they were given, be who you want to be and don't let the narrow minded a*s holes get you down. It shouldn't matter what you were born as, it matters who you are. If you're a good person that also feels good inside and out, you're all you need to be. Much love!
Tettsui Sevens, with you, I'm less worried about your skin than your mind, which is hateful and prejudiced and ignorant. You should fix that, before you find out how terrible it is.
Load More Replies... I wish there wasn't, but unfortunately it it happens on every post which is really sad.
Load More Replies... YOU ARE ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL , AND DONT LET ANYONE TELL YOU OTHER WISE. TEAM JULIA!!!
This brought me to tears and melted my heart. It's given me motivation to get to my weight goal. Thank you so much I LOVE YOU!!!!
You're a beautiful human being, i don't understand why some people have to be so judgemental when it comes to this topic. I mean do we have to fit into a certain box? Can't we just allow people to be how they feel comfortable ❤🌈
Awesome! You go, girl!! I know it's hard, but please remember that you are not alone! You've got tons of people who love and accept you, strangers and loved ones.
I've read the comics, nd the comments... now here is mine. In a world of war, hunger,homelessness,abuse,terrorism, murder and lack of basic human decency anymore...SCREW THE HATERS! Be who you want to be and be happy, don't let anyone bring you down. Enough darkness in this world.. be a ray of light!
Well I just got a notification that someone replied to a comment I left on here a while ago and with the way this piece of s**t website is set up, I can't even find my comment to see what was said to me X) I've scrolled through all the comments on this article and mine is nowhere to be found. eventhough the comment id is in the f*****g url above the page... "fb_comment_id=fbc_1444646635612984_1576401285770851_1576401285770851" FIX YOUR S**T LOL
I've never been moved to tears (joy and pain both) by a comic before. You are amazing.
I really appreciate you sharing this, and you are beautiful. Everyone is different and it's better to embrace what is unique about you!
These comics are so intimate, so deep...and you're such a beautiful woman!
So nice not to see hateful comments on the app. I've disliked the fb page and now use the app instead. <3
Yeah, the app is significantly better than reading the FB comments, by far!
Load More Replies... Looking at you I can see nothing but female! And a beautiful one at that! If people don't like you for you then they are not worth it! You are who you are and who you are is perfect! Congratulations on becoming the true you and good luck for the rest of your beautiful journey!
I work at a hotel and a few months ago I checked in an awesome couple. One of them appeared to be a butch lesbian and I called him ma'am. I felt and still feel like an a*s. He was so cool and fun.. his wife was awesome.. then I f****d up and ruined their night.. possibly their whole weekend.
You didn't ruin it. The fact that you felt he was cool and fun and that they were an awesome couple came across in your interactions with them.
Load More Replies... I already thought u were a girl. Ur beautiful. I love ur comic strip
Thank you for sharing your story! It was very moving. I wish you the best of luck moving forward.
How can you have this much will power when you done this. i am with anxiety and depression and negativity i suck at everything - i stopped designing, being creative and i have so much thoughts - i don't want to move or go outside. You go and be successful more.... Wishes.
Thank you for sharing this! A lot of what you've written speaks to cis women too. Welcome to the sisterhood of 'you're only valuable if you conform to traditional standards of beauty'. We're glad you're here with us.
She didn't become a transgender woman. She was a transgender woman to begin with. Perhaps it would be better to say that she "began her transition".
Lovely lady, plenty of cis women need to shave too, (including myself) so don't be so hard on you, kay?
The Skin I Live In (2011) http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1189073/?ref_=nm_knf_i4
Beautiful story, you capture the sense of joy it feels to be you well. :)
These drawings have reached me more than any documentary I have seen about transgender people has. The humanness gets to me more and I can see past the word transgender. I think I might finally be on my way to seeing people who live with this closer to how I should; nevermind that I can't fully understand, they are first and foremost people just like we all are.
I'm glad u were able to achieve your dream. I've seen shows that depict the struggles, "I Am Jazz," and others. I'm sure your post will boost all who were and/or are in your shoes. Thanks for sharing; you have made my morning🌺
I really love the part about the person in your life that you haven't heard from since transition. I can't tell you how many people I know who have claimed to be supportive of me since I've come out but never answer me.
I really love the part about the person in your life that you haven't heard from since transition. I can't tell you how many people I know who have claimed to be supportive of me since I've come out but never answer me.
When I read the title and saw your photo I thought "oh? Why would this pretty lady want to become a man?" Didn't realise it was the other way around! Well done you! It is important to be comfortable in your own skin! I'm glad that it seems like you have a great support network around you :-) happy for you!
My self esteem went a negative a hundred real quick, keep posting and I can finally end my wretched life.
I think you're the one who's delusional. Transgender has been a scientifically-recognized issue for more than 50 years. It's people who are ignorant of science and research who try to claim otherwise. Educate yourself.
Load More Replies... And you are probably forever alone, considering your awful personality
Load More Replies... what do you mean? she is a normal girl already.
Load More Replies... No it is not. It doesn't hurt them, it isn't a disorder. Why do you have to hate on everything?
Load More Replies... There are some people in this world so vain and ignorant enough to make others feel lesser towards them selves because THEY dont aprove of , which is complely idiotic . Who gave you the right to disriminate others, huh? This is whats wrong wih the world nowadays .Although I am only ELEVEN years old , atleast I am intelligent enough to understand the concepts of these things.... It frustrates me to see our once amazing country falling to peices. No matter what happens to the United sates i will always be a proud supporter of the LGBTQ community !!!!
Load More Replies... The thing is, SHE is dealing with it currently, and is fighting against it. She is a beautiful and strong woman and she does what she wants.
Load More Replies... Friend, nobody should be constrained by a random biological process. We do not find ourselves, we create ourselves.
Load More Replies...