It’s not always easy to tell stories – especially about yourself.

In correlation with LGBTA Awareness Week, Sophie Miller, sophomore in performing arts, Daily columnist and male-to-female transgender, shared her story with the ISU community in the “free “speech zone” in front of Parks Library Wednesday.

Miller shared the joys and pains she has experienced as a transgender individual to send the message that she should be respected like anyone else.

“Some people think I’m sick, confused or evil, but I don’t believe that,” Miller said. “I’m a person just like anyone here – I feel the same things you do.”

Miller, born male, knew something was different as early as age six when she was with friends at Wal-Mart.

As her friends raced towards the new Spider-Man toys, she resisted the urge to run into the “pink aisle.” Her favorite video game was “Crystal’s Pony Tale” and her gift of choice was an Easy-Bake Oven.

When she was 12, she realized her feelings were tied to her body.

“I wasn’t uncomfortable with my body when I was younger – I didn’t realize physical changes were so important,” Miller said. “It wasn’t until I hit puberty that I could sense this wasn’t right – I was uncomfortable and ashamed of myself.”

It wasn’t until she was 15 that she started to really research the transgender community. When she was 17, she told her friends about her feelings and found support from them.

Now, at the age of 19, Sophie has natural breasts, longer hair and a wardrobe to fit her lifestyle.

“I didn’t want to wait until my body was a prison. I am more confident when I pursue my dreams,” Miller said. “I am happier, mentally stronger, and more confident in myself. I am who I am – it feels good to be me.”

Miller’s alteration of her body required a lot of money and effort – an issue that has been exacerbated by the fact that there is just one doctor in Iowa who will treat transgender individuals. Because of the lack of nearby specialists in the particular field, travel costs stack up with the already high expenses of hormone treatments.

“Money is hard to come by for anybody,” Miller said. “On top of basic needs, I also have upwards of $90 a month for prescriptions, travel more than two hours with visit costs at $300 or more – and insurance won’t help.”

Many insurance agencies will not cover transgender individuals because they are statistically at high risk for suicide, disease and drug abuse. Some of the risks associated with taking hormone supplements include blood clots from thinning blood and an increased risk of breast cancer.

Ultimately, Miller’s presentation was focused on educating the students gathered nearby and increasing their understanding of the transgender community.

“I don’t know much about the transgender community,” said Donna Morgan, member of the LGBTAA. “I’m trying to understand the psychology and mindset, but I definitely respect her choice.”

Others were there to support Miller.

“Don’t be so blind about it. There are a lot of transgenders out there that aren’t courageous enough to talk about it,” said Tracy Bear, freshman in art and design. “This is a good way to spread awareness and acceptance.”

With anti-abortionists surrounding the free speech area, Miller was frustrated and concerned she would be overshadowed by those with conflicting interests.

Although they were adamant about getting their own views across, the anti-abortionists respected Miller’s time for free speech and waited to approach her until she was finished. She joked about the situation during her speech, pointing out the irony – because she will never be able to reproduce, she is therefore unable to ever receive an abortion.