For one of Wagga’s most open transgender women, finding her place in the world has been a life-long struggle.
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Formerly known as David, Holly Conroy revealed her true self to family and friends in a shock Facebook post, in early 2016.
While the revelation was the first time some of those closest to Holly had heard the news she said she had felt “trapped” in her body since she was just 12 years old.
It was a long journey for Ms Conroy, who attempted to come out more than 10 years ago, after spending her childhood secretly cutting off her denim shorts into a skirt.
“I expected to lose friends but now that I’ve come out I actually have more,” Ms Conroy said.
“I think the fact that I held my head high and didn’t shy away from anything helped the transition.”
Despite the overwhelming messages of support from most of her friends and family, Ms Conroy said her father was the most challenged by the news.
“My dad struggled because he didn’t understand and he worried how it would affect my life,” Ms Conroy said.
“He told me he had to mourn the loss of his son to realise he had a daughter.”
Ms Conroy will travel to Thailand in October this year for a sex reassignment surgery, to finish her process of becoming a woman.
He told me he had to mourn the loss of his son to realise he had a daughter.
- Holly Conroy
While Ms Conroy feels confident being herself in the community, she said it wasn’t the case for other Wagga transgenders.
“I’ve noticed a lot more people coming out but some people still don’t have the confidence to do so,” Ms Conroy said.
“I am lucky that people don’t treat me any differently.”
Ms Conroy said her women’s soccer team had been particularly accepting, as well as opposing teams.
“They’ve had my back, nobody has ever said I should’t be playing a women’s sport,” Ms Conroy said.
“More sporting groups should have that mentality.”
The Riverina Rainbow group will host a family day on Sunday, raising awareness for homophobia and transphobia.
“There are so many families whose children have come out and they’re not quite sure what to make of it, this is a chance for acceptance,” Ms Conroy said.
The family fun day will be held at Apex Park, from 12.30 to 4pm, with a jumping castle, face painting and a barbecue.
