I WAS BORN in a small town in Syria's Idlib province called Ma'aret al-Nu'man. I always knew that I was different from the other kids; I didn't know what made me feel this way but I always knew that I had to keep it to myself.
Growing up, kids picked up on the difference and I was constantly bullied at school. I never felt safe anywhere, even at home where my father was verbally and physically abusive because of my gender expression.
Life was a race for survival. I always thought that it was my fault and that I had to change.