LGBT: Llanelli trans man says he locked himself away over period

Jay-Harley said he “would cry” and “lock myself away” every month when he menstruated because he had to wear female underwear to use sanitary products.

“I couldn’t look at myself in the mirror, even though I would be wearing my suits – I knew what I had on underneath,” he said.

“Every day was a battle to carry on.”

He said his mental health and confidence would have been “so much better” if he had had guidance, support and underwear made for trans men.

After taking testosterone, he said: “I’m very lucky my periods have stopped, but they could come back, I won’t know or have any warnings.”

Jay-Harley said being trans in a small town meant there were very few LGBTQ+ resources available locally.

“It’s a love and hate war right now,” he said. “There’s not enough spaces out there where we can be ourselves, where we can feel safe and protected.”

He said he has had to “put on a fake deeper voice and pretend to be a lad just to go to the shop, a restaurant, or pub”.

“It’s terrifying to go and use a public toilet, they’re not safe. You don’t know who you’re with,” he said.

“If they found out our true identity it’s scary to think that they might not be accepting.”