Maddy Edwards, a 25-year-old woman from Lawton, Oklahoma, has recently shared her remarkable journey of self-discovery, one that led her from living as a transgender man for four years to embracing her true identity as a woman and even becoming a mother.
From a very young age, Maddy knew that she was “different.” As early as the age of five, she would pray fervently, wishing to wake up as a boy. She felt more at ease in boys’ clothing and was eager to engage in activities typically associated with boys, such as arm wrestling with her friends. Growing up in a traditional Christian household, the concept of being transgender was foreign to her until she turned 14.
It was at 14 that Maddy first learned about the transgender community, sparking a journey of self-discovery. She created a secret social media account under the name ‘Rider’ and began using the hashtag ‘transman’ to share pictures of herself. This marked the beginning of her exploration into her true identity.
At the age of 19, Maddy decided to take a more serious step towards transitioning. She cut her hair short, started taking testosterone, and adopted the name Matthew, effectively ending her relationship with her religious parents. Under the guidance of a counselor and an endocrinologist, Maddy began weekly testosterone injections, determined to align her physical appearance with her newfound identity as a man.
Over the next three years, Matthew became engaged to a woman and was committed to the process of medically transitioning. He even considered undergoing top surgery, a procedure to remove breast tissue. However, in December 2020, Maddy’s life took an unexpected turn. She claims to have heard the voice of God, which told her that there was love for her if she stopped running from it. This encounter prompted her to break up with her fiancée, marking the beginning of her detransition journey.
Maddy’s transformation was not just about returning to her birth gender; it was a profound rediscovery of her true self. She described feeling an overflow of self-love after experiencing the depth of God’s love for her. Initially, embracing her femininity was challenging. She had dissociated herself from that identity for so long that being called “Maddy” instead of “Matt” felt strange.
However, with time and self-acceptance, Maddy grew more comfortable in her femininity. She embarked on an incredible journey of personal growth and transformation. She remarked, “I’m now becoming more comfortable in my femininity.”
One of the most significant changes in Maddy’s life was becoming a mother. She had always wanted to be a parent and a dad, but she never pictured herself as a mother. Now, she cherishes her role as a mother to a little girl, describing it as “the coolest thing ever.”
Maddy’s detransition story is a testament to the complexity of gender identity. From praying to wake up as a boy as a child to living as a transgender man for years, she experienced a remarkable evolution in her understanding of herself. While she acknowledges the very real feeling of being transgender, her story also demonstrates the power of self-discovery and self-acceptance.
Throughout her life, Maddy has shown immense courage in embracing her true identity, whatever that may be. Her detransition journey is not just about going back but about moving forward with a newfound understanding of who she is. Maddy’s story reminds us that the path to self-discovery is unique for each individual and can lead to profound personal growth and transformation.