Josh Seiter, a former contestant on “Bachelorette,” revealed that since coming out as a trans woman in May of this year, he has been facing threats and attacks from both conservative individuals and members of the LGBTQIA+ community.
Seiter chose not to follow the traditional path of hormone therapy or surgery to affirm his gender identity, opting instead to maintain masculine features, such as facial hair.
In an interview with New York Post, Josh, who is from Chicago, Illinois, stated that he feels comfortable as he is but laments being the target of cruel comments and intolerance.
“The big thing about being trans is that there is not just one way to be. I realized that I don’t need to take anything to be a trans woman. […] I am afraid for my safety all the time. Whether I am in a restaurant, a park, or downtown Chicago, I am nervous. I keep looking behind me and wondering if someone will stab or hurt me. The abuse I’m receiving is really awful, and I’m facing intolerance, prejudice, and segregation”
Seiter also revealed that he felt more comfortable wearing feminine clothing since childhood, but growing up in a conservative Christian family, he only began exploring his gender identity in college. After his father’s death in April 2021, he felt more freedom to express himself openly.
“That patriarchal figure of my father was gone, and I started expressing myself more. I’m close with some family members and not with others. […] Even though my mother is a Christian, she has been very understanding and open-minded. She supports and loves me — she loves me regardless of everything”
Finally, Josh expressed regret that he is being targeted with hate comments not only from conservatives but also from members of the LGBTQIA+ community. “It’s the complete opposite of what has always been portrayed to me, that the LGBTQ+ community is welcoming and tolerant,” he stated.
Source: New York Post | Images: Instagram (@josh_seiter_official) | This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.