[Episode 25] Transitioning, Chronic Pain and Finding Safe Ways to Move

In today’s episode, I have another great conversation to share with you. Recently I sat down for a call (being mindful to keep my social distancing on point) with my good pal Ki.

Ki Halstead is non-binary transmasculine and uses he/him/his pronouns. He started transitioning at 35 and has used movement to get in touch with his body and build a more masculine physique.

Ki is a Team Lead for State Government Waste and Recycling Infrastructure Grants Programs.

He has focused 12 years of work towards reducing the amount of waste going to landfill and in turn protecting our environment. The work has included managing grants, developing grant programs and managing a state-wide education strategy.

He has a strong connection to nature and people.

He also designs and builds furniture out of reclaimed timber otherwise destined for landfill.

He is starting up a business Wooden Pectoralis to raise money for chest surgery and then to support the trans community access to gender affirming goods. Wooden Pectoralis will be launched in October 2020. https://woodenpectoralis.wordpress.com/

Ki has a passion for being active and spent many years playing soccer, which helped him feel more affirmed in his identity. However, living with chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia made it hard for Ki to commit to a team sport.

This is why Ki turned to more individual forms of training. Ki and I worked together through 2019 to find ways that he could use physical activity to help him present more masculine.

Shortly after we began working together, Ki started hormones. This changed many things for him and not just in the ways you may expect.

After 2 months on Testosterone. Ki began to experience some massive changes when it came to how his chronic pain presented in his body.

I used to be in pain 80% of the time. Now I’m in pain 5% of the time

When Ki shared this with me, I was so amazed and excited for him. There are so many trans and gender diverse people that suffer from chronic pain.

For Ki to have had such an improvement after suffering many years of pain, by being able to medically transition and affirm his identity offers so much hope for other folks out there that may be living a similar experience.

Ki’s story like so many folks transitioning is one of courage and perseverance. To hear him speak and so openly and honestly about his transition and experiences was a privilege.