At the age of 18, one woman found that she was not comfortable in the body she was born in and began the journey of transitioning to male.
Now, after spending six years completing the process, Alia Ismail, 27, from Michigan, is de-transitioning back to female after realising that her new identity did not represent who she was.
Alia began to use male pronouns and dress more masculine at 18, undergoing a medical transition at the age of 20, and taking hormones to increase testosterone.
The 27-year-old legally changed her name to Issa in August 2015 and underwent a double mastectomy in February 2016.
But after realizing she wanted to de-transition, the 27-year-old stopped taking male hormones in February 2021 and is going by the name Alia again.
Alia Ismail, 27, from Michigan, US, pictured right, is beginning the process of de-transitioning back to female after realising that her new male identity, pictured left, did not represent who she was
Alia, pictured as Issa, had begun to use male pronouns and dressing more masculine at 18, undergoing a medical transition at the age of 20
Alia said: ‘When I first came out as gay it was quite easy with my family. As far as transitioning, my grandparents were very accepting but lacked understanding, and my mother came to understand my feelings better as my transition continued.’
The 27-year-old says that she does not regret her decision to have surgery or taking hormones.
She added: ‘That was a key time in my life of self discovery into the person I am today.
‘My family were neutral in their feelings. They knew that I was strong enough to put myself through this unknown journey again and were proud of me for being true to myself.
The 27-year-old legally changed her name to Issa in August 2015 and underwent a double mastectomy in February 2016. Pictured left as Alia and right as Issa
Alia, pictured left and right, said that a decision will be taken in time if she needs to boost her oestrogen levels as they have stayed the same since she stopped taking hormones in February 2021
‘I have stopped taking hormones and I have received laser hair removal. I don’t have a plan to do anything else, but I do understand that things could change in the future.’
Alia said that since she stopped taking her hormones her testosterone dropped ‘tremendously’ but that her oestrogen levels have stayed the same.
She says that she was on testosterone for almost seven years and that her body needs time to adjust.
The 27-year-old added that the decision will be made in time if she needs to take anything to boost her oestrogen.
Alia has been incredibly open about her journey and hopes to help others who are struggling with their identity.
‘I feel like the people who don’t understand are choosing to do so out of ignorance and a lack of empathy,’ she said.
‘Decisions are hard, no matter what they are and I hope that we can all stay open-minded to understanding why, instead of projecting our insecurities and judgement.
The 27-year-old, pictured with a friend after her decision to de-transition, said she hopes to help others who are struggling with their identity
Alia, pictured left and right, said that she thinks people who do not understand are ‘choosing to do so’ out of ignorance and a lack of empathy
The 27-year-old, pictured showing her scars from top surgery, said there will always be people who ‘misunderstand’ her but she does not let it defeat her
Alia, pictured with a friend, said that she has had many people messaging her and seeking guidance
‘There will always be moments when people misunderstand me, but I can’t allow that to defeat me.
‘I have helped so many people who were questioning their sexuality and gender by sharing my experiences.
‘I’ve had many people message me looking for guidance and I enjoy instilling a feeling of trust in others.’
Alia, pictured left and right, says that the surgery and hormones were the key to her discovering who she is today
Alia, pictured left and right, said that she has had laser hair removal alongside stopping taking hormones and does not plan to do anything else but says she understands things could change in the future
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