Transgender man shares images of incredible transformation

This was one of NZH Lifestyle's top stories for 2017

A transgender man is sharing stunning before and after images of himself to show that not all trans people exhibit outward signs of identifying with the opposite gender before their transitions.

Musician Jaimie Wilson, who transitioned from a woman to a man, revealed on Instagram that many people wouldn't accept that he was transgender at first because he presented himself as being 'feminine' for the first 18 years of his life.

"Don't judge a book by its cover," he captioned two side-by-side images of himself. "I am posting this picture to show that not everyone has to show 'signs' to be transgender."

The first photo sees Jaimie as a woman pre-transition, dressed in black lingerie, while he is shirtless and modelling Calvin Klein briefs in the second, post-transition image.

Jaimie stressed that "you don't have to pass a test to prove you're trans", adding that "no one's journey is the same".

"When I came out people refused to believe I was a man because of how 'Feminine' I presented for 18 years," he explained. "So why am I posting this comparison?

"Because I want people to see it doesn't matter what some LOOKS like...if someone has the guts to tell you 'I'm transgender' 'I'm gay' 'I'm bisexual' anything like that PLEASE BELIEVE them and be there for them because stereotypes need to be broken."

The powerful post has been liked more than 49,000 times, and many people praised Jaimie for his words, the Daily Mail reported.

The advocate for transgender awareness frequently shares these types of before and after photos as a way to track his transition progress and speak candidly about his journey.

In June 2016, Jaimie shared a photo of black and white photo himself as a woman, with long blonde hair, along with another image as a man, sporting facial hair.

Jaimie has also documented his top surgery to remove his breasts by posting before and after photos of his chest.

"I don't like to be vulnerable, but I think it's important to share. Please don't report this post, this is for educational purposes," he captioned the images, which were previously taken down before the nipples on his breasts were showing.

Jaimie explained that before he came out, he made himself look feminine because he felt pressured to make the people around him happy.

In a recent Facebook post, Jaimie revealed that his entire family disowned him when he came out.

"Coming out as transgender was the best and worst day of my life thus far," he wrote. I miss having my family in my life...I miss my parents being proud of me...but you know what I don't miss?

"I don't miss the nights I laid alone battling with my feelings...I don't miss waiting for everyone to leave the house so I could put on masculine clothes and tuck my long hair under a hat...I don't miss hiding.

"When you look at me I'm not the strongest, the tallest, or the most handsome man...but you know what I AM? I'm finally ME and god does it feel so good."