Identity: A Trans Coming Out Story | Philosophy Tube ★

[@PhilosophyTube]

You can see my coming out statement here ----> kzbin.info/www/bejne/fHiQhaWkrK1nn7M

[@kronlund420]

love you Abi

[@Draconis_Eltanin]

Is this the payoff for the ending of Charles Darwin vs Karl Marx? Great name choice and keep up the awesome work.

[@lexiibattwitch]

I'm so proud of you. Congratulations on the egg cracking, and as a fellow Trans-folk, I've got your back.

[@TheSirFinlay]

stoked for you, but pls dont remove your old videos, I love them.

[@juneguts]

hell yessss!@!!!!!

[@jackm6593]

So, I was one of the people who saw you as a “positive masculine role model” in the past. And I’m not going to lie, it was a bit sad for me watching this at first. But when I saw your smile as you came through the door, I realized that I had never seen you smile like that, and as you started talking about how happy and free you finally feel, I started crying because I realized this felt right. You’re not just an inspiration to men, you’re an inspiration to us all. Amazing video, congratulations. :) Edit from 2.5 years later: Not a guy anymore lol 🏳️‍⚧️, but I think everything I said here still stands. I will just add that obviously Abigail is a huge inspiration to trans people too!

[@chloem.872]

She is an inspiration to men, too. :)

[@jackm6593]

@@chloem.872 Yes :) I edited in a “just” to be more clear.

[@chloem.872]

@@jackm6593 Thank you!

[@plushy9849]

And now I'm tearing up again!

[@jackm6593]

@@plushy9849 Aww... ♥

[@nokostunes]

when abigail said "to paraphrase a great trans woman" and put her hand on her chest, i lowkey thought she was gonna quote herself

[@sealogic4552]

That would 100% be in her right

[@raibug3180]

that would be very valid

[@rio8529]

Wasn’t it Natalye?

[@randallbarnes3488]

Yeah, she said "I ask myself 'do I feel like a man or do I feel like a woman?' And the answer is 'I feel like shit'"

[@doubtful_seer]

That would have been legendary

[@nekoeko500]

If you ever feel stupid, I discovered this channel yesterday and thought it was run by two different people

[@CristinaAcosta]

😄

[@DeathnoteBB]

I’m faceblind and would have thought the same had I not been here already

[@rileymclaughlin4831]

For what it's worth, IMO that's not entirely wrong.... from a certain point of view. (Was Darth Vader the same person as Anakin Skywalker? Or did he change so much that he was, from a certain point of view, a different person?)

[@ProEray]

I was watching the channel for a month now and I just discovered the truth lmao

[@Helperbot-2000]

lol, its the exact same for me

[@jackb9045]

Not trans but this vid did convince me to quit my job

[@PhilosophyTube]

Heyy, good for you!

[@HotTakeAndy]

Right on. 😅 Kinda made me think about my job too.

[@micahwright5901]

Real

[@mcanna5115]

Yeah... It make me think too, I think is time to take that step

[@AnnaKahlo]

nah cuz i read your comment before watching the vid and i took it as a simple joke but after watching the moment when she makes that comparation i was like i am not accepting the job i had last season it actually does make me miserable with every each letter of that word it makes me want to end it all and it kills 100% (literally 100%) of my social life so, I know her point wasn't that but it actually helped me so much. Also this is my first video of her and I am so so so happy I found this channel and look foward to watch many more vids!

[@jameslanier2510]

I'm not the dude that came up to you, but you did present me with a model of masculinity that was actually positive after I spent so much time in the alt right pipeline on this godforsaken site. You achieving this gender euphoria has made me nothing less than thrilled for you. I'm not disappointed one bit. You coming out as a woman does not betray the positive influence you've had on me and no doubt countless others.

[@MaceGill]

This is an astoundingly wonderful comment. Seek yourself, whomever that turns out to be, and it certainly may change over time and YOU get to define that. If you are still looking for positive masculine role models, a few examples come to mind: Bob Ross, Steve Irwin, Fred Rogers, Bob Villa just to name a few off the top of my head.

[@LordAJ12345]

I'd like to add that the old host having been a character rather than a real person doesn't mean he can't be a role model for masculinity. It's completely normal to be inspired by fictional characters and noone questions it just because the actor/actress portraying them isn't the same as the character. And as Rhys Tees so wonderfully showed here, different people can play the same character. The Man Who Isn't There might not be a real person but it's still completely legitimate to strive to be more like him.

[@Alex-hj1vk]

This comment makes me so happy.

[@Lymmar]

Women have been teaching me how to be a better man my whole life :)

[@Moeller750]

Even as a cis woman, PhilosophyTube presented me with a different kind of masculinity, that I felt I could look up to, and during part 1, I was afraid of losing that. But once I saw Abby coming through the door, I just felt happy for her.

[@steelplatedheart]

I love that Rhys' performance, despite the script being very "I" centric, made it obvious that it was a performance. Hell, he read from a script most of the time, and the fact that he couldn't get the hair to swoop quite right also felt deliberate. Really hammers home the metaphor that this version of Abigail that we saw before we knew it was a performance really was always just a performance, we just had to zoom out to see the stage dressing. Really great, very well done, I think Rhys did a great job with it, moving from stilted actor to passionate performance very smoothly. And of course thank you to Abigail Thorn of Philosophy Tube for, as always, putting on such an amazing, poignant, and meaningful show. I literally cried. Like maybe a lot.

[@roycefromalaska]

I knew from the moment I pressed play that I was in for something great, as I always do when I watch her content. Tears of joy were shed at the reveal. I am so incredibly moved and happy for her.

[@ksochia12]

Like maybe a lot

[@smoothordinator9529]

ALSO! abby's *always* playing different characters going back and forth. Were this any other video she would have played that part as male and her part as female *but she didn't* and i think that's really important. It shows that the male persona we knew isn't her

[@AbsolXGuardian]

Yeah. There's someone else in the comments who said that their faceblindness made the bit very trippy, but for me it was a different effect. Abigail has a very distinctive face shape, so I could tell that Rhys wasn't her pre transition self. But I wouldn't be able to tell Rhys from other white men with the same haircut because his face doesn't have a feature so distinctive it can actually be saved in my memory. So the man who doesn't exist was played by a generic man from my perspective, who couldn't capture Abigail's unquieness.

[@phtown]

@@baguettegott3409 I seriously got to the end of the video thinking Rhys had done the Audre Lorde voiceover. I had to click on the link to his channel to realize he was the person on screen.

[@Vexlulz]

huge idiot me on twitter unfollowing her before seeing the statement like "who is Abigail I have no memory of following this person"

[@hewwobble]

lmaoo

[@frocco7125]

kek

[@brutusisadog]

The only acceptable reason to unfollow! Lol

[@funkyfinn1]

“I’m not transphobic I’m just fucking stupid” same

[@Vexlulz]

@@funkyfinn1 yea jesus I'm so conscious of looking like a transphobe cus of it but I'm actually just stupid af lmao

[@Sleepyembers]

“People did brave things in the trenches, but it’s no way to live.” That hits home

[@fuzzincedinnadon]

Now imagine living in the trenches, in the middle of a war, without realising that's where you are. For 30 years or more.

[@nullstate8117]

@@fuzzincedinnadon imagine comparing real struggle to your personal one thats so disrespectful to all the people that experienced war

[@TrackpadProductions]

@@nullstate8117Imagine not understanding the difference between direct conflation and figurative analogy thats so disrespectful to the concept of metaphorical speech and using poetic license to express life's difficulties

[@nullstate8117]

@@TrackpadProductions not understanding consept of war :)

[@TrackpadProductions]

@@nullstate8117Well I didn't really ask you to prove my point even further but thanks for doing it anyways

[@einam3081]

when she said "I look inside myself and ask: do I feel like a man or a woman? and the answer is I feel happy" i cried a little (a lot)

[@himbolastname6379]

Is it bad that I was kinda hoping she'd say muppet

[@jerrodshack7610]

I feel like at some point I heard the same quote except with the punchline "honey, I feel like shit" and that's what I was expecting 😂

[@adda25]

Who’s she? It’s a man talking

[@superiortrash3209]

@@adda25 dude this is a coming out video, she's a trans woman

[@ilarious5729]

@@adda25 how original, it's okay. I'm sure someone loves you too.

[@mizel101]

Having an actor play the character you performed as is the best artistic decision you've ever made on this channel. What a beautiful piece this video is.

[@braininajar8474]

+

[@myleonisd]

Omg! I never watched Philosophy Tube before, and didn't understand why he didn't seem to be the same person as in the other vids!

[@ActuallyJohnMarston]

Omg I didn't even realize. I thought it was Abigail with beard. Rhys Tees nailed it with the body language and the way of speaking! He really talked and acted like Abigail pre-coming out. I would've never realized.

[@ricoparadiso]

✝️ *Lord Jesus died & rose again to pay the debt of your sin!* 🔵It is Gods Gift to us by His grace, we dont earn it by what we do/how good we are! ✅By Faith in the sacrifice God has made are we saved from the penalty of sin! 💜We are all sinners that need God. No one can say they are perfect to be able to pay their debt of sin. This is why only God could pay the penalty for us, that is merciful Love!

[@MrTaxiRob]

Great monologue, too.

[@arimolyki]

I'm one of those kids who looked up to The Man as a 'masculine role model' and I just wanted to say, seeing you now as you truly are doesn't take back from that. Even if it was just a role you had to play, just as I can and have been affected by fiction, these people who never really existed, I can fondly remember what it brought out in me and that's that. Can't wait to see what you'll create next, Abigail!

[@Alienami]

A lot of my heroes are fictional. Not a lot of good role models for atypical people, but that's changing, thankfully. Representation matters.

[@silver3726]

I feel the same with this, That portrayal of masculinity actually helped me come to terms with my own thoughts on gender and all that myself. Even if it was just a character. It was a damn good one, and they'll always be there, just like a good book.

[@ratscrapz]

@Jimperialist Jimgoism her channel*

[@truedarklander]

The realest take

[@truedarklander]

@Jimperialist Jimgoism She played The Man™ before coming out which is a very positive representation of masculinity.

[@manythoughts99]

“my identity is grounded not in the things that bring me pain, or what other people do to me, but in the things that i love, and in the places that i feel at home.” 🥹🥹 that line gets me every time 😭

[@user-ju6qy4sg1x]

hey, I might have been the kid who came up to you (it's George here - saw you at TEDx with my tall partner) and I don't know if I did say that because it was a while ago but I definitely felt it, and I just wanted to say that if it was me, I'm not disappointed, and I'm so happy for you

[@Naathalia12]

This is so wholesome

[@r-pupz7032]

I'm not crying you're crying 😭💖

[@meg143562]

+ (bump this to oblivion)

[@calamityjehn]

Boost boost boost

[@samparr3368]

I hope she reads this.

[@callumm.2298]

as an ex Abigail who is just now starting to come out as a trans guy, I'd like to think that I donated my name haha

[@urdadsleftasshole69]

That's actually kind of sweet lol

[@kaviweaver5152]

You did!

[@AmyAberrant]

This is so sweet!

[@nellfromhell7192]

Boy change ur KZbin name

[@callumm.2298]

@@nellfromhell7192 true, just did it lol

[@Zernium]

"Miss Abigail Thorn" is such a badass name, like an old-timey detective or steampunk vampire hunter or something.

[@UNION_JACK_THE_RIPPER]

(starts writing book)

[@ScorpionViper1001]

*I NOW HAVE A MIGHTY NEED*

[@drewmorgan4080]

I will buy every copy you have, thanks

[@UNION_JACK_THE_RIPPER]

GIVE ME TIME DAMMITB

[@thecrazything95]

She does have a bit of Scully vibes, don't she?

[@TheZacharias333]

I can’t get over how she looks so genuinely happy walking through that door. It’s like she’s stepping out into the sunlight for the first time.

[@trickvro]

Yes!!!

[@CS-nw9si]

Tears immediately started streaming down my face 😭❤

[@Amyduckie]

Omg yes! Her face was like radiating happiness. 😍

[@okoowcymnichowpanwiszacejw2382]

I've watched this moment so many times. It's absolutely beautiful

[@evedotcom]

@@okoowcymnichowpanwiszacejw2382 same 😭💛

[@ItsSuperEffective]

"I look inside myself and ask, do I feel like a man or a woman, and the answer is, I feel happy" Idk why but that put the biggest smile on my face

[@yeahsuredude7082]

I tried REALLY HARD not to cry watching this but that part got me

[@PileUhFlapjacks]

Sobbing

[@honestiago4738]

@@nightchild2428 This is exactly the same argument as 'gay marriage "redefines" marriage' and will be just as unsuccessful.

[@thepants1450]

@@nightchild2428 loser

[@ItsSuperEffective]

@@nightchild2428 I also don’t think anything here redefines womanhood? You could use the argument “well chromosomal sex” but, I have XX chromosomes, but was assigned male at birth, chromosomes have very little, if nothing at all, to do with how we see gender. So then you could make the argument “but they weren’t raised a woman, you can’t just say you’re a women half way though the game”, to which I’d ask, why? Who makes these rules? Why does the idea of that make you feel bad? Ok you could say you’re scared of a man invading a woman’s space, but here we have an example of a human, living as a woman, with a woman’s name, existing in the world as a woman, so your point falls flat there. However, I understand your fear can’t come from nowhere, but I do feel that it’s misplaced. So you could use the “they haven’t had the woman experience from birth” and you’re right there, but wouldn’t it be a more valuable use of your time to understand trans women and their experience, because they quite clearly didnt have a “mans” experience either. So again, I feel that argument falls short too. Overall, and I know this will fall on deaf ears in your case, but for anyone reading, I do feel the typical TERF arguments generally speaking come from a place of fear, which is why they tend to fall short in the logic department. There’s so much to be gained by working with the trans community, so rather than continuing this needless cycle of fear and anger, why not just accept trans people, as they’ve always been a part of our world.

[@andrewdrumheller3091]

Can't believe Abby has been pulling a Mulan for the past year.

[@KoboldLich]

Let's go down to business, To educate some one(s)

[@thomasam4118]

@@KoboldLich Huh!

[@dustyboi8975]

I saw this coming when she started growing her hair out haha

[@reinbrooks9052]

Yeah she's been looking *suspiciously pretty*

[@GZQ9]

Her voice been getting higher too

[@phononanon]

As a cisgender heterosexual man, I was looking at the comments expecting this to be a totally different perspective, and looking forward to the chance to further my own capacity for empathy. And then I heard what you said about being at war every day. And that’s exactly how I felt when I was in an unhappy, emotionally abusive marriage. And looking back now that I am divorced, I know what you mean about feeling like I can relax. I waited years to watch this video, and I think I am going to cry every time I hear Blackstar from now on.

[@phononanon]

@@luigil8439 I’m glad

[@phononanon]

@@luigil8439 👏👏👏 so funny, very creative joke

[@phononanon]

@@luigil8439 the gift that keeps on giving 🎉

[@theseer5]

you weren't already crying every time you heard blackstar?

[@neoshenlong]

You know it's one thing to do a "I'm actually trans" video and another to do a "I've been a trans woman for a long time and I've been acting and even faking my voice for a year in order to do an amazing and memorable coming out video" video. Which is amazing.

[@ellipszilonq]

She's always been Extra✨

[@anone.mousse674]

Abby is a true actress through and through.

[@camalinthewind5812]

Im new who is the person at the beginning of the video? That person has facial hair and a different body shape

[@PawsOnTheBalcony]

@@camalinthewind5812 an actor portraying Abigail's old appearance before transitioning.

[@carolinelittle4258]

@@PawsOnTheBalcony Ok thank you for explaining that I was so confused also this video was amazing!!!! Yay Abigail!!!

[@lucasdunst9375]

I’m one of those boys, in truth I’m to old to call myself that anymore, who looked up to you as a male role model. I can now confidently say I still have a role model, and she’s a woman now. Your video about men and abuse has helped me understand myself and live a happier life. I needed someone to help me feel like I wasn’t alone than, but I’ve grown since than. I can’t believe it, but after this video, I can say I don’t need to be reassured that that’s the case anymore. It seems like I know it’s true on my own. Thanks for the laughs, the tears and the thought provoking videos. I’m happy for you, and I can’t wait to see all the beautiful work ahead of you!

[@Eclecticgirl17]

I'm happy for you for coming so far on your journey! Hope you continue to grow and understand yourself better

[@IndieOctopus]

Well said Lucas, I'm happy for you too x

[@ZERO_O7X]

Well said and so kind hearted❤

[@shredjward]

Couldnt agree more with what you wrote

[@Rikku147]

🖤🖤🖤

[@StNick119]

As a cis man who also felt you modelled what masculinity could and should be, I don't feel like I've lost anything, or like anything has changed. Perhaps you modelled merely what humanity should be, and showed that it was compatible with who I wanted to be. That holds true. What you gave me outlasts you, what you taught me changed my relationship with myself. Go live your life.

[@BossALKENO]

Exactly, Abigail’s work regarding positive masculine identity isn’t invalidated by her being a woman

[@akrbm425]

very lovely comment, succinctly sums up my feelings

[@scarcrow810]

I agree 100%

[@joebotarsenault8538]

I am 100% feeling this comment my dude. a lot of the comments im seeing are super positive and it makes me super happy. we need to support eachother for neither of us are better than the other (although some of us do have more previlege over the other because of circumstances). I support this to the moon and beyond

[@byrongsmith]

Yes 100%. Well put.

[@noahwelch5064]

i love the statement "you never notice your bones until theres something wrong" just like gender, most cisgender individuals will never pay much mind to their gender as they allign with it completely, but for trans people, something is wrong and so they notice it and its hard to ignore

[@Sean_Jaggers]

Not a single description, but this one, helped me understand my own situation happening in my consciousness

[@aryanverma7407]

Your channel has made rethink my whole outlook, as I come from a very conservative part of India where still everything is treated with open racism and discrimination towards girls and everything being based on money, like I had to choose engineering over my true passion of being a pure science researcher because engineering has "more" money in it, here left leaning people are being berated everywhere in online spaces as SJWs and everybody treats humanities subjects like philosophy, political science and ethics as jokes and for stupid people. I found your channel while looking for Ben Shapiro's criticisms(So this can be said to be the only good thing ever resulted from his work) and you taught me so much in so little time, like my life had been feeling like a curse lately but after listening about Camus' views through you I have been able to significantly improve, so thank you Abigail! Congrats on finally coming out! All the best for your Future !!!

[@AbhipshaSahuCoPrezIOFA]

Okay, as another person from India, I relate so hard. Channels like Abigail's have been massively helpful towards letting me understand why politics here is the dumpster fire that it is, even though she's talking about different issues. I honestly wish her the very best of futures

[@pru666]

Such wholesome messages! 😭💜

[@mannu9935]

Bhartiya gang represent!

[@shanikasingh3333]

Indian gang yesss

[@butwithcats265]

this is heartwarming af ❤

[@loki6626]

I've always had a strange feeling about that term. "Coming out". The emotional journey this video took me on made me see it a different way. You didn't come out Abigail, you invited us in. Thankyou. There's a great deal of love and respect between you and your audience. I feel proud to be amongst them.

[@EdaliaDayCreative]

That's a really lovely way of putting it

[@fionajones-gerrard1570]

aaaah what a good way to put this feeling! I like that so much more

[@Szopjale1]

Not sure if you heard about it and that's why you used this term but once I read an article where it was advocated to instead of coming out, people should invite in the right people.

[@loki6626]

@@Szopjale1 I don't recall ever hearing that. Maybe I did and it stuck somewhere in my subconscious.

[@jentzi23]

IIRC the phrase was a take on coming out like socialites do. The phrase stuck.

[@fanboyistransboy5089]

Y’know as a trans man who used to view you as a positive “male” figure. Don’t worry. There are more men on KZbin. You’re still a wonderful philosopher and you’re an amazing woman.

[@paintitblack6728]

Ahahahahhahahahahahhahahahhahahahhaha

[@maheenm.k1015]

For anyone that saw philosophy tube as male role model, I think you'll find dominic noble similar.

[@kardoxfabricanus7590]

We're running low on men here on breadtube... Sooner or later we'll be running low on humans as well since all of us will become Furries OR Scalies OwO

[@arranisnailo7795]

Abigail is still an excellent male role model to me

[@RoamingApollo]

aye, i'm ftm too. glad you're not paying any attention to the other commenters. good luck on your journey.

[@hurbig]

I am a cis woman but at some point in my teens I had a lot of phallic phantasies so I started to wonder whether I was trans. The way you described your identity coming apart and then come together again, that was similar to the experience I had, only I came back together as the same person. Perhaps I may not be as binary as I would like to think, but at the end of the day, my favorite job is being a woman. I think you described exploration of gender identity extremely well and younger me would have loved to hear this.

[@sarahfunaki3884]

nah thats pretty normal for us females to think about dik its in our genes . i just hoped off my mans about 20min ago and im about to go jump him and initiate round 2

[@3bydacreekside]

Can I offer you an egg 🥚 in these trying times?

[@hurbig]

@@3bydacreekside yeah, I’m kinda tired of people telling me that I’m trans and in denial. It’s patronizing. It’s not fair to assume you know someone’s gender identity better than they do. Even if some people out there are trans and in denial, it’s not your job to figure that out for them.

[@sarahfunaki3884]

@@3bydacreekside That;s the Christmas spirit tho eggs are an Easter thing not really a Christmas thing.

[@CouncilofGeeks]

This is wonderful to read. Because I think it would help on a personal and societal scale for more people to question their gender, even if after questioning it ends up reaffirming their original identity. It’s why I get really annoyed when part of the anti-trans narrative is “so many of these confused kids who change their pronouns just end up identifying as their birth genders in the end.” So what? It’s like growing up in a town, leaving to live in other places, and then coming back and ultimately settling where you grew up. That journey just reaffirmed that you’d already been where you want but now you know for sure and aren’t wondering “but what if I’d be happier elsewhere?”

[@endymion3071]

I suppose the real gender the whole time was the friends we made along the way.

[@haruhisuzumiya6650]

Yep.

[@FallingEastward]

This is both the worst and best takeaway from this. I love it

[@cheesecakelasagna]

@@FallingEastward lmao big mood

[@Koozomec]

That make no sense.

[@0th_Law]

@Gorilla Gorilla No. Attack helicopter memes are _bad_. Even ironically.

[@dahliadillinger6375]

I've been asking myself internally, "Why has the Philosophy Tube Person been getting progressively prettier in each new upload?" I'm so happy you're out and free to be yourself. I honestly shed a few tears watching this. You've come so far from the 'Men. Abuse. And Trauma' video that hit me like in a punch to the gut, which is also the only other work of yours that's made me cry. I wish you success, safety and peace, Abigail.

[@scrobaby]

i know this is suppose to be a really nice comment!! but like are men not allowed to become more attractive as time goes on lol

[@Inazarab]

@@scrobaby The OP used the term prettier not more attractive. Prettier is usually associated with female attractiveness rather than male.

[@scrobaby]

@@Inazarab u right

[@nezmustard]

@@Inazarab we call those social norms. We’re more elevated here

[@nighthawk3255]

@@nezmustard it’s just language. Prettier tends to lead more feminine, handsome being more masculine, and attractive being more general

[@stubley3432]

As someone who needed a masculine role model at an important time, i think the point that those traits aren’t masculine, they’re just positive traits, is reassuring. Congratulations Abigail ❤️

[@ellie8272]

The idea of masculine or feminine role models is kind of outdated in my opinion. It restricts people to their gender roles

[@ellie8272]

@Oscar Grove in what sense? Our gender doesn't determine anything you'd have a role model for Can you be more specific?

[@ellie8272]

@Oscar Grove that's fair. As someone who's been on both hormones I can confirm they're different, but really they seem like such a small part of who I am. Sure my emotions are different and learning to regulate them would have to come from a person on estrogen (be they any gender, there can be non women on estrogen, and non men on testosterone) Maybe it's because I've been on both, but to me there's just a lot more to life than hormones, and I don't see my role models' genders as particularly relevant, idk

[@Goldenbeard710]

@@ellie8272 exactly this, ive had so many role models of all different backgrounds. Like just aim to be a good person overall

[@redlorax5380]

@@ellie8272 Masculinity and Femininity are not perse male or female. They represent certain properties. Like Yin and Yang. Masculine and feminine rolemodels are not perse to be found in a man or woman. More likely both are found in one person. Masculinity and Feminity are represented in everyone, the key is a balance in which you find comfort (I think)

[@Ferretinadress]

This video helped it click that I was trans. The day it came out, I watched it while on break and cried cause as she described being trans, all my brain could say was “it’s you”. Kinda funny looking back on it. I’ve been on estrogen for a little over a year now. Still love rewatching this video.

[@mariannetfinches]

Congratulations! I love it when media gets you so perfectly

[@WillowRat]

I'm glad to see other people who have found support from her. Her stuff has been helping me too. Gave me some tools to look deeply into myself and approach these feelings in a way that makes sense.

[@darkacadpresenceinblood]

congratulations, i'm so happy for you!!

[@pandajesus5052]

Congrats 💛💛 I wish you the best :)

[@Lunalla]

That’s sad, I hope you get over this social contagion.

[@DesertPackrat]

Thank you. I am not transgender. I am a heterosexual married man. The reason I am thanking you is for being courageous, authentic, and a role model for all other human beings exploring their own destiny.

[@monicadaniels784]

A comment worthy of a kind confident man! Awesome!

[@ojuice54]

What a beautiful way to say this. Thank you for your kindness and wisdom.

[@bodilyflui986]

Lets just appreciate how good a job Rhys did of portraying a slightly uncanny version of Abigail before she came out.

[@Laffey16]

I can tell in retrospect but man was I fooled

[@georgeparkins777]

He really nailed the inflection and the cadence in a way.

[@gavinator.3587]

I was totally fooled by it I absolutely thought it was her looking back...

[@alexchimi7093]

Absolutely! It's the idea of attaching a person's memories to something else: that something else becomes the original person. It felt as if I was watching Abigail before she came out the whole time, just in Rhys' body.

[@arandomcomment1092]

I wasn't even sure that he was a different person for a while, that's how good Rhys was

[@caitlinpowell5422]

I can’t get over how radiant and completely present Abigail looked when she entered. Obviously I don’t think I’m spotting anything that wasn’t intentional cus these videos are always so beautifully curated but omg I feel like we could SEE a weight lifted

[@ScrawnyTreeDemon]

Yes!!!!! Absolutely!!!!!! God, she looks so natural, it's unbelievable

[@doubtful_seer]

She looked like she was walking on air and I’m living for it

[@EpicMathTime]

The door window was so dirty though, really ruined the reveal for me.

[@plushy9849]

Yup! I can feel the happy radiating from my screen! This should be evidence enough for anyone who doubts trans lives.

[@actuallyzulian]

Abby’s relief at not needing to “do the voice” really got me tearing up I’m not gonna lie ❤️ I’m so happy for you ❤️

[@gretchenburgess6628]

Yes!! Such a delight to hear her real voice. The instant she started reading those lines. Beautiful.

[@icantdoitnike]

He's just a man who likes dressing up as a woman

[@droptherapy2085]

@@icantdoitnike your mom

[@Itryhardder]

@@icantdoitnike You are an ignorant person. She is a woman because she feels like a woman. If you'd like to argue that fact start with defining what a Man or a Woman is, I'll wait.

[@NL_Mixes]

@@Itryhardder so what you're telling me is that I can identify as a giraffe if I want to because I feel like one.

[@redbirdriot]

I teared up at the part about quitting the job. I'm a straight white guy, and I've tried to be supportive of trans folks but I never really got it. I think I get it a bit better now. All the best and all the happiness in the world for you, and thank you for sharing this with us.

[@justusmzb7441]

Thanks for the comment. While I want to support and understand any person in any personal decision (non harming to others of course) to make them feel whole, well and 'right'. However, I find it hard to empathize and follow some struggles that are so far away from anything I experience... And I sometimes feel like a bad person over it, though I am not sure whether I can be blamed. Videos like this help a lot with that.

[@Grace-fm9cv]

@@justusmzb7441​​⁠​​⁠​​⁠I get feeling like a bad person over it. But I just wanted to say, the fact that your reaction to not understanding something is to seek out other perspectives says a lot. I don’t think you can be blamed for not instinctively understanding something that’s so far from your own experience. You’re making an effort to empathize, and that’s all you really can do.

[@StormyTalks]

Well you definitely have some learning to do because trans people can be straight, so I don't know why you said you're straight like it's a non-trans experience.

[@redbirdriot]

@@StormyTalks You're right, I should have used "cis" instead of straight - that's more accurate to what I meant. I said it out of ignorance - gender identity and sexual orientation are two separate things, and I need to watch my language to reflect that difference. My apologies - I do indeed have much to learn. Thanks!

[@coderamen666]

​@@redbirdriotit's fine. It's a common mistake. Even LGBT people sometimes say things like that.

[@sabrinabenitezsalazar6481]

The "and absolutely no crossdressing" joke in the antisemitism video has a whole different meaning now and I realize that's why you laughed after saying that, I'm glad you trust us enough to be yourself Abby ❤️ EDIT: lol I ended up being trans as well and this video was important, I remember commenting something about you being a role model for masculinity and this video felt almost uncomfortable to watch back then (now look where it got me lol)

[@StainlessHelena]

She crossdressed as Sir Nigel Piss and lorde did she do a good job.

[@hugoshlim]

@@StainlessHelena still my favorite character of hers so far. can't wait to see if she'll come up with better ones in the future!

[@xenosauridae]

Rhys Tees hit some of the subtle mannerisms and speaking quirks and inflections REALLY well, excellent job

[@stbananastein]

Right?! A masterful interpretation

[@FigmentHF]

I was only ever 90% sure it wasn’t Abigail, aha. And then when Abigail appeared, I even entertained that she may have been another actress playing the role. I was wonderfully confused, and maybe even experienced a single atom of the kind of confusion around identity, that a trans person may feel. Such a wonderful production.

[@TheKayleighEmber]

Isn't that her brother? I thought I remembered her mentioning a Rhys at one point, and I noticed they both do the same smile where their upper lip lifts up on one side

[@aelianaevergreen8955]

As someone, who thought of you as a masculine role model, I'm not let down at all, you're still a role model and a beautiful and wonderful human being.

[@yungjoemighty879]

nice

[@JukeboxTheGhoul]

Same

[@augfairweather4530]

i second this!

[@LoxiDays33]

Same here!

[@ThePedrolic]

100% this

[@microgatos]

re-watching this video that was the final crack in my egg... 1 year and 8 days on hrt, and getting my ID changed next week, living with a supportive partner who actually loves me for me... life is so joyous right now. thank you, thank you so much, abigail. you're a great human.

[@malcolmjelani3588]

Good luck with that.

[@humanbeing5546]

I hope youre doing well. I'm so proud of all these people in the comments finding themselves with the help of this video. It brings me to tears.

[@JoshuaFagan]

Speaking as one of those dudes helped by your videos on masculinity, this was a bit of a shock, but I couldn't be happier for you, Abigail! You look and sound more happy and free. Edit: This is strangely not the first time one of the people I learned "how to be a good man" from was actually a trans woman. The world's a crazy, wonderful place. I wish all trans people the best! I hope to one day live in a world where y'all can be safe and prosperous.

[@Beisser76]

I think as a trans person, thinking about gender is just inherent to you. I know that I have thought a lot more about gender, than any of my cis friends.

[@jares317]

I know, right? Feels amazing seeing her happy like this, after everything she taught us 💙🤍💜

[@PNW_Marxist]

Speaking as someone who only understood that they were trans four years ago, it keeps me going seeing healthy takes like that, Joshua. I live in the most progressive part of the US, and even here you still see discrimination and discomfort from the cis folk that just don't get it.

[@johngleason1776]

Can we just acknowledge what it must have been like to pretend to be your pretransition self for a year on your KZbin channel, and being able to recreate your old voice so perfectly that the majority of your fans don't even notice. Props to you Abigail, that must have been surreal. Seeing your genuine smile warmed my heart, and I hope nothing but happiness comes your way from here forward

[@mississippitransman8617]

I thought that part might have been prerecorded awhile ago? Although I could be easily wrong.

[@mihailmilev9909]

@@mississippitransman8617 hm interesting but I think she said otherwise

[@nanamiharuka3269]

Right?? I thought of that too! It must've been really difficult to stay as her pretransition self

[@cgg2621]

@Teddy Johnson I know what you mean about the effects of puberty not being reversed, but I would guess she has been practicing speaking from her neck/head and not her chest for a while and got used to it, so going back to the old way must have been a bit odd.

[@johngleason1776]

@Teddy Johnson really? Damn thats rough. I guess thats one of those details us cis folks don't hear about. Thats why its important to have trans voices documenting their own experiences

[@annguerrero9988]

"My identity is grounded, not on the things that bring me pain or what other people do to me, but in the things that I love. And in the places that I feel at home." This sole quote made me cry so hard. I'll keep it close to my heart. You don't know how much I needed to hear that. Thank you Abigail.

[@psychic_beth]

I actually made that into a wallpaper that's now my desktop background, it stuck with me too.

[@essentials7190]

@@psychic_beth send mee

[@annjames1837]

You will exist forever. You and God are both in the universe to stay-either as friends on His terms, or enemies on yours-which it will be is proven in this life. And this life is a vapor. Two seconds, and you will be gone

[@chrisbirk9511]

@@annjames1837 Ya bro thank Vishnu

[@DystopianOverture]

The way you described your assigned gender as being a job you can't keep doing because you are bad at it, is exactly how I feel about my AGAB too. I can't be a boy or girl so I tried another role (non binary) and turned out to be me. Thank you for telling us your story, I loved listening to it.

[@ElenaPolIsHere]

😊😊😊

[@mistymoooooor]

fof a second i thought agab meant assigned gay at birth

[@malikai1802]

@@mistymoooooor I'm dying💀💀💀

[@catvalentine4317]

@@mistymoooooor Saaame, I was so confused 😂

[@DystopianOverture]

@@mistymoooooor hahahahaha

[@TheMovingEye]

Can we give a shoutout to Rys Tees who imitated Abigails mannerisms from her pre-trans videos to a T?

[@WraithReaper09]

Not just mannerisms. But also the inflections and tones Abigail speaks with.

[@killhazardx]

It was so natural I just assumed he's just like that

[@blitoris]

Right?

[@aoibhinquinn7310]

I actually just kinda assumed that that part was filmed way way in advance, it didn't click for me at all that that was a different person

[@judithfurmston3731]

@@WraithReaper09 exactly! Even the breathing.

[@jjoploo]

Using a separate actor with the subject "looking back at yourself feels like a different person" was just so good. Congrats Abigail!!!!!

[@jacklandismusic]

I’m not the specific kid you mentioned that came to you at a live event, but I am one of the folks you’ve shown a positive model of masculinity to, and I wouldn’t be surprised if I’ve said something along those lines in the comments of some video. But just because you’re shown me a positive model of masculinity doesn’t mean you have to *be* that model. Your coming out doesn’t make the points you’ve made about masculinity any less true or important, and I’ve still gained a hell of a lot from taking them to heart. I’m not gonna go out and become trans because you did-I’m not trying to copy you point for point in regards to how you live your life. You’ve certainly helped me a lot, as I’m sure you’ll continue to do, but I’m my own person and I have my own needs. I take personal growth from your videos when they fulfill those needs, and education when they don’t. This video doesn’t help me achieve any sort of personal growth. It doesn’t pertain directly to me, and I’m not going to try and force it to. BUT, it is an *incredibly* important resource to me in regards to philosophy, as well as trans education. Every primary source is something I can use to educate myself. And every philosopher cited on screen is someone whose ideas I can learn from as well. I’m very happy to see you come out, and I’m honestly honored that you considered me and the rest of the audience to be a safe group to come out to. Not because we’re not safe or because I think you made a mistake in doing it, but because I know that coming out can be very scary when you don’t necessarily know for sure how folks will react. And I only know my own experience coming out as bisexual to my family and friends. I can only imagine that it’s scaled up a whole bunch when it’s coming out as trans to a million people. Especially when you’re English, and you’re a public figure. That shows some real power and bravery to do that. I don’t care how much it ate me up inside, I don’t know if I would have the kind of bravery to essentially come out as trans to the English public, press, and government. That’s fucking powerful. Also, I’m glad your whole song licensing ordeal ended successfully. You used the Bowie track to amazing effect, and it was a really great choice.

[@tiiillleerrr9861]

I love this comment

[@strangebird5974]

@@tiiillleerrr9861 Me too!

[@juanpablovillarroel4486]

I can identify with this sentiment.

[@Aster_Risk]

That was a beautiful thing to read.

[@k8tisarobot]

I was in the trenches for 40 years. So unbelievably happy we made it!

[@MLiskindagay]

That’s a long time in the trenches; you’ve certainly earned your life back, soldier

[@Robert-dq6um]

When you talked about the boy who said you were a masculine role model... And if you let him down... YOU DID NOT. Many people struggle with masculine and feminine in the face of our culture... Your honesty and intelligence and bravery is a great influence.

[@sorcellerie]

Abby, we have a climate crisis, you can't be coming out as hot every time

[@orfeassiozos1575]

THAT'S SO TRUE

[@liviamuze]

AMEN

[@teacooper6485]

@Lilith does stuff hi so... I'm not sure if you've played the game Contol but this is literally a plot point, this guy got so hot and radioactive they ended up using him for energy... the more you know :)

[@gabbyw4615]

this comment wins

[@starpasta]

This comment made me snort with laughter. You win, because it's so true!

[@grapes4832]

I didn’t realize I was a guy until people started calling me a “young woman.” It wasn’t technically incorrect but hearing it from others made me realize it wasn’t something I called myself. I started cutting my hair shorter and dressing differently without even noticing it myself, not diagnosing these changes until others had pointed them out. Truly, finding these things out feels like having your entire life melted as if you where a pupa in a cocoon. I’m incredibly thankful that you decided to make this video. Your video on transphobia cemented my belief in my own identity, for which I’ll always be grateful. Good luck, Abigail, I’ll forever be in your debt.

[@anzaia2164]

No, please, stop, my egg might crack

[@AbsolXGuardian]

I had a problem with being called a young lady or young woman but I assumed that was because the patriarchy puts to much meaning into those words as apposed to girl. I was an egg for an embrassingly long time, even IDing as cis by default for a while.

[@elevenseven-yq4vu]

​​​​@@AbsolXGuardianWhat's embarrassing about this? Society does make way too much fuzz about it, and it is damn disturbing and needs coming to terms with, and it can lead to a long struggle regarding the presupposed direction, and it's that way regardless of which gender affiliation might be the actual case. Society is just too fucking weird this way. I'd rather say, accepting the society-enforced gender (expectations) transition from child to adult like a switch being flicked and never questioning it nor feeling dazzled or estranged by, during or after, that shift would be the stranger reaction (don't know if "embarrassing" is the right word, but "bland", "dull", "shallow", "overaccepting", "rushed" and "unreflected" do come to mind).

[@aymerichm8835]

As a cis gay man in his early thirties who has been struggling with his identity for the last 20 years, and who has recently felt the urge to "learn" philosophy, I am proud to write that YOU, Abigail, have recently become a ROLE MODEL for me. You "were" a handsome man, you definitely are a beautiful and radient woman, but more importantly, you are a magnificent human being, whatever that means.

[@kriegenjoyer6913]

a fellow man lover 🤝

[@mz6367]

A cis gay man here and you just said what I wanted to say❤

[@WaveOfKanagawa1]

Me, a lesbian who has watched your vids for years and who never finds men attractive ever but has been oddly Compelled by your flourish to great confusion before this day: Hello Abigail, I'm so glad you cleared that up for me. Now I hope your day goes well and Im looking forward to this video!

[@mihir9632]

Me, a gay man who has watched your vids for years and who only finds men attractive ever but has been oddly Compelled by your flourish to great confusion due to this day: Hello Abigail, I'm so glad you have me re-questioning my sexuality. Now I hope your day goes well and Im looking forward to this video!

[@TheManinBlack9054]

Maybe you were just bi? There's nothing wrong with it

[@TheLifeErratic]

Me, a bisexual woman who has watched your vids for years and who finds literally everyone attractive and have been absolutely compelled by your flourish to no confusion before this day: Hello Abigail, I'm so glad you're being you and nothing has changed. :'D Love you and always will

[@anzaia2164]

Very much same

[@leahheim1923]

Omg same lol

[@CivilWarWeekByWeek]

Welcome Abigail Thorn the new queen of england

[@aihehol]

The only queen who would want to abolish her own throne.

[@anone.mousse674]

Lucifer Save the Queen!

[@CivilWarWeekByWeek]

@@aihehol A self coup

[@kktt725]

All hail our new state sanctioned waifu 🥵🥰

[@ryan-km6fw]

Move over Elizabeth, we've got Abigail

[@anetherealbean3670]

Its so refreshing to see someone prioritize joy over suffering in coming out. The bullshit society throws at us isn’t what makes us trans, the joys of self expression, being authentically and bravely trans makes us trans. Sending you love Abigail ❤️

[@elli6220]

@@joesmith4965 wtf?

[@risingsuperstarfrost3096]

Wish I could say the same for myself

[@elli6220]

@@joesmith4965 White nationalism is an awful political stance, though.

[@KiLLJoYYouTube]

Elliot A. Pretending to be a woman is beyond awful yet it’s number 2 on trending dude

[@elli6220]

@@KiLLJoYKZbin Even transphobes shouldn't use their views to support white nationalism.

[@spurgear4]

I pretended into my mid forties, raised a family, had kids. Always felt empty, dead, I explain my coming to grips with my situation as shoveling dirt into a hole, then one day I had run out of dirt. I was going to shoot myself, but didn't want to leave my kids that way. My transition was slow and not without issues but for the first time in my life I felt as though I was standing in the sun. It doesn't fix everything but I don't hate what I am anymore. It's not a decision to be taken lightly, but those who know, know. Best wishes and enjoy standing in the sun my friend.

[@malikai1802]

Congrats, I'm so proud of you 💕💕💕

[@spurgear4]

@@malikai1802 Thank you, I'm still here and enjoying my grandchildren

[@imperialhistorian4201]

So, you’re one of those mothers that abandoned their family to find themselves.

[@yougotitwrongiknowit700]

​@@imperialhistorian4201 ????

[@MotorcycleWrites]

@@imperialhistorian4201 what in the world are you talking about?

[@AudoricArt]

I like that you hired an actual guy to take on the first part of the video, and didn't force yourself into a role you didn't fit.

[@Niarbeht]

It's a role for someone else, now. Someone who can be happy in it. How absolutely appropriate. Then again, we're all here for the work Abigail's done in the past, and will do in the future.

[@Ttyl4356]

+

[@AudoricArt]

@@Niarbeht Right? I know it's cliche but she's still the same creative person. The fact that we happen know she's a woman now doesn't change that.

[@dorian5876]

Can we also appreciate the elegance of her casting someone else to play a character she has played for a long time just to add depth to the point?

[@manuam98]

Holly shit I hadn't even noticed 😂 That dude did a great job.

[@braininajar8474]

we can and do. Rhys Tees' performance was eerie.

[@fowlerj111]

+

[@robingates-shannon931]

i wasn't sure whether or not it was her until i looked at the description

[@OblivionFalls]

Wooooah I didn't even notice it was someone else. I just assumed this was another look for her and thought "Huh, face is a bit weird today"

[@peculiarnewbie]

She really did just license blackstar for the soundtrack to her entrance. Glorious

[@ghintz2156]

Seeing the thumbnail I was already like, oh man, where is Bowie going to tie in.

[@jeanmichellelaurent]

She is the black star

[@sanityisrelative]

Right?

[@swansonjoe7121]

My favorite david bowie song :')

[@bibliophilecb]

Knowing the journey she went on to get the rights made the moment ten times better omg

[@elisa.alexander]

“My identity is grounded not in the things that bring me pain or that other people do to me, but in the things that I love and in the places that I feel at home.” are you KIDDING me?! How can just one person be so incredibly intelligent in the way they articulate something so…indescribable to others who will never understand their experience, and to themselves. Oh my lord, I only discovered this channel today and I’m so filled with love already ❤ thank you sharing so much of yourself, so much that you didn’t owe to your audience but gave so freely and generously. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

[@Dumpknoedel]

Rhys Tees' performance was ASTONISHING in this, I genuinely had goosebumps because his intonation and gestures where... uncanny

[@whiskychops]

agreed !

[@EpicMathTime]

I was listening to the video while driving and I had no fucking idea what was going on. Completely fooled.

[@MrRathumos]

I thought it was genius because the looks, the accent and the mannerisms are all there, but it's not Abigail. When she was presenting male in the earlier videos, we weren't seeing the real her.

[@SomeNerdyVlogger]

Until I saw his name in the credits, I assumed he must be Abigail's brother or something.

[@ava490]

I genuinely thought he was Abigail for like a solid minute

[@BossALKENO]

I’m sad that Abigail doesn’t make her Twitter handle “The Trans Princess of TERF Island.”

[@ERosa1991]

Up

[@Sound_Judgement]

I just want to say, as a man who also felt that you showed me a positive image of being masculine through the character you played, that I am glad you can feel happy, confident, and open in your gender identity in the same way you made me able to feel that way about mine!

[@b.mclean5479]

As a trans guy I agree. The positive image of masculinity was inspiring to me but this, wow, even more inspiring AS A HUMAN BEING.

[@burcusphuc4910]

Bloody well put, I'd had say the same thing; growing up as a trans man without a father i was stumbling blind through the world of the seeing. Abligale's character gave me something to look up to, and to become. Now that I've reached my personal truth to the fullest extent I'd have to thank her 5 times over for helping me through the bad and doing the same for herself.

[@prioritalpanic629]

I looked up to her character too, as a trans guy. And now I look up to her even more! I love Abby so much♡ and I'm very happy that she's opened up her true self♡

[@georgebeauchamp3287]

Yeah, like in a weird twist of fate, this is also a positive depiction of masculinity. A great man knows when he's no man at all, I suppose.

[@TheEmmaHouli]

Christ this message broke me!!!! I'm not crying YOUR cdyingb

[@MH3Raiser]

Around 8 years ago I was diagnosed with clinical depression. It was something I'd felt for a very long time, but had never confronted directly and had constantly run from. I'd been asked about if I was bullied as a child. I was. Was I abused at home? I wasn't. Did I have good friends? I did. I simply... didn't see any value in living, or more specifically, in my own life. It wasn't making me happy, nothing I did to try and fix it seemed to work and the struggle of fighting to 'appear' happy was actually making the people who I cared about and vice versa miserable. So when I was 22, I made the decision to end the suffering all round and kill myself. That sounds clinical, but it was anything but: I struggled constantly with the idea, with the burden I would put on others around me and constantly DESPERATELY tried to convince myself there were good compelling reasons I should exist. And finally one day, I simply ran out of arguments I could believe in. And I went to a nearby bridge that overlooked the North Circular with the intent to jump off it. And I couldn't do it, not because I didn't want to. I BADLY wanted to. But because I was scared, scared of the decision, scared of the concequences, scared that what came after if there was such a thing might be even worse. So I packed my things and left my Mother's house in Portsmouth to stay with my Dad, who was signficantly less... lets call it 'obsessive' than my Mum, who I love dearly and was simply unequipped to help with what was going on with me. With that context, hearing Abigail describe how strange it felt to feel... happy, just being alive as she was... well it broke me. Because right here, right now, 8 years later... I am happy, being alive as I am. I didn't transition, but I did stop playing an act that I couldn't continue to fake for others sake or my own. Since that move to Portsmouth, I made the choice to live as I wanted to. Not to fufill someone elses desires, but to trust that mine were worth pursuing. A job in service helped me re-learn how to interact with other people, and eventually gave me a craft I'm spending my life improving. Following my interests even when others thought I was crazy gave me reasons to want to see the future of my life. I worked on myself, worked with others, and slowly but surely began to grow into a person I wanted to be, even if part of me believed I'd never get there It was hard, and every day I had to re-affirm that choice to live and convince myself it was worth it: it takes far less effort to keep a fire burning than let it die out, after all. And every day was still a struggle, a constant battle with my own depression and self doubt. It was hard to even believe it'd all be worth it, that I could be happy 'one day'. But I kept moving forward despite all of that: hopefully, with a happy ending. And finally, the moment came. During covid at my absolute worst moment sick with the disease, I took stock of my life since that day I ran from the bridge. I looked at the friends I'd made, the mistakes I'd made, the career I'd chosen and the person I'd grown to be... and with an air of complete bewhilderment I just... stopped. I didn't need to convince myself anymore, didn't need to fight myself. Because I was there, really and truly: I was proud of the person I'd become, comfortable with him. Happy with how I was handling my relationships, excited for the days to come. I was experiencing terrible sickness, but in truth, the epiphany of that moment obliterated all pain from my senses leaving... peace. I wasn't perfect, far from it. And I still had things I wanted to do, to improve. But who I was, right here and now... I was happy with that. I didn't have to worry about how I'd handle things, or whether I'd lose my way: I could truly trust myself, because at least to me, I'd become someone worthy of that trust. Since that day, I've had numerous people remark I'm like a different person, that I've 'changed so much' or that 'they simply couldn't recognise me'. I started wondering if there were physical differences to mark the changes, but there weren't: I was still ME outside, but how I acted had changed immeasurably. I was no longer worried about making mistakes, or even feeling a need to force myself to act 'correctly'. I knew what I wanted to do, and was confident in my abilities to either try my best or understand my failure in pursuing that. And with that understood, I decided to make a physical change so I could see that spiritual transformation in my mirror in the mornings; my hair, always cropped short I grew out and kept that way. It won't mean much to anyone else, but to me it reminds me where I came from and the debt I owe to all the people who helped me become who I always wanted to be. I've never really understood transitioning before, or at least how it felt to become 'someone else', but Abigail's description of finally being able to stop the act and relax with who she was really resonated with me. I'm not trying to take on her transformation as my own, or minimize it in any way. I'm a CIS white male with blonde hair and blue eyes who was born into the upper middle class of the UK; I hit every branch of the privilege tree on the way into this world and my life has been lived in that context. But I just wanted to say, to anyone else out there who finally feels liberated from a persona they felt forced to maintain: I see you, I hope I understand you at least a little, and I'm so happy you're still here. Whatever anyone else says, the world is infinitely better off for your presence in it as someone happy AS THEY ARE, not as how people say they 'should' be. Keep walking everyone, and I'll keep walking with you.

[@amethyst6531]

Watching this after hearing about SOPHIE passing away, one of the most forward-thinking and impactful producers of our generation and a beacon for the LGBT+ community, has made me inconsolably tear up. The trans community as a whole is so brave and strong and defiant and inspiring, everybody of us should do a lot more to support them and celebrate them, and appreciate their contribution in making the world a much better place to live in.

[@ishouldexpandmytasteincheese]

Wait SOPHIE is dead?! Since when???

[@MrChristian0]

@@ishouldexpandmytasteincheese she fell while climbing to see the full moon, its awful

[@nicf1555]

Its been a rly weird day that way. Rly strange energies

[@posey85]

💗💗💗

[@johnmarcdegaard6589]

I actually found out just now through here. This actually made me almost cry; Sophie’s been one of the most insanely innovative producers for a couple years now. This is a really conflicting day

[@nothefabio]

I just called you "Thorn", because I never remembered your name. Now, I'll never forget, Abigail.

[@allison576]

Lmao the bait and switch with natalie's iconic "do I feel like a man or a woman the answer is that I feel like shit"

[@ded_plant]

Ey we have the same profile picture!

[@katjarozantseva8069]

Yes! And witnessing the difference is somehow making happy itself

[@idrisatardis5553]

When she said “I feel happy”, I was like hang on, that’s not how it goes, is it? Lol

[@Lectical]

@Locke Dunnegan the horror

[@Jesusblowsme666]

Woah, i completely forgot about that quote!

[@stupendoushorrendous8258]

I was wracking my brain today trying to figure out "what's that movie or show where someone says 'you've been a wonderful audience' before disappearing and it's really heartfelt and bittersweet?!" and then I remembered it was this video.

[@Smitteys86]

I remember seeing a tweet after Elliot Paige came out saying something like: “At least he is gonna get paid for pretending to be a woman on Umbrella Academy season 2 after doing it for free for years.” On that note, wow you’re a great actress! 😂 It must’ve been weird to dress up as your previous self and make videos under that persona for so long. What a performance. Glad to finally know the real you (inb4 all that stuff about parasocial relationships and whatever. Also I am extremely envious of your hair

[@Lincoln_Bio]

I agree her hair is absolute fire

[@Shashu_the_little_Voidling]

I'm extremely envious of her voice.

[@mr.lalnon5455]

She really said "hot as always but now in girl"

[@honestiago4738]

We stan a queen who speaks the truth.

[@paintitblack6728]

LMFAO !!

[@jackakimbo5718]

Shout out to Rhys Tees for doing an incredible job of playing "the man who isn't there"

[@cameronclaypool9133]

he got her mannerisms spot on

[@fruitygarlic3601]

I didn't realise! It's been so long since I saw any beards on this channel that I convinced myself this was Abigail from a few months ago. Ah!

[@rowanredwood9316]

@@baguettegott3409 hehe i was searching the comments for confirmation like hmm thought he looks off lol r u autistic too

[@santagonewrong]

Fuck! I just assumed it was her with like a fake beard and makeup and movie magic.

[@ksenialapshina4914]

The way you described not seeing yourself in the mirror and feeling like you were putting up an act really resonated with me, and I really appreciate how you emphasized the joy and peace of coming out. I will use that part to try to explain how I feel to my family. Thank you for making this and sharing your experience!!!

[@soupo-sandwich]

damn rhys did a spot-on impression of abigail in boymode. was really impressed with the facial expressions and intonation patterns and stuff.

[@iisjebsb26378]

The 'to be' and pause was pretty much bang on

[@PogieJoe]

I was also impressed. Just spot-on.

[@enderwiggins8248]

Ngl for a split second I was like, wow Abigail looks different than I remember, and then I realized she had hired an actor in a grand and beautiful metaphor

[@a.v.y8331]

right???? I kept being like, uhhhhhhh... this doesn't look like past Abigail but this person has all the mannerisms?? and I was questioning that for the whole video until Abigail herself walked up and I was like yes of course this is our queen

[@sourpatchghoul]

the impression was perfect. it literally had me questioning whether or not that was philosophytube (i dont watch this channel too often so that probably doesnt help

[@lureed]

As someone who just came out as transmasculine, this video was like seeing a lighthouse in the middle of a storm. I have NEVER seen anyone describe being trans like this but it exactly how I've always felt. I look in the mirror and the body I see is beautiful, but it’s like looking at a painting. Every interaction is grueling work, every reminder of how society sees me causes an almost physical pain, like the twinge of a bad back. Thank you so much for giving me hope that someday I too can be comfortable in my own body and identity. Thank you for being you, Abagail.

[@lethe.archive]

i love how she mentioned about when you finally realize your trans how it puts so many moments into context and the performativity of being closeted.

[@podpoe]

same!!

[@lukostello]

transmasculine, that an interesting word choice. I think if that were adopted over transmen it wouldn't be nearly as devisive.

[@lethe.archive]

@@lukostello transmasculine/feminine are typically how nonbinary people who aren’t strictly agender refer to themselves. it has a different purpose and refers to a different identity than transwoman/man who typically identify with the traditional binary (disclaimer i do not speak for the op)

[@rainen8353]

@@lethe.archive I've always seen those terms as being inclusive ways of describing it, like, a transmasculine person could be a trans man, or a nonbinary person whose transition leans towards the masculine side of the spectrum, but not necessarily all the way to "male".

[@arandomcomment1092]

Abby Thorn is the only queen who would start her own coup

[@DJDocsVideos]

Because it's the rational thing to do.

[@LogicDoesNotApply]

To paraphrase Dimension20: can the Queen coup?

[@IWantToMature85]

Wait, did they’ve transition because they feel feminine?

[@jfritz5014]

@@LogicDoesNotApply I'm always pleasantly surprised to see random comment crossovers

[@arandomcomment1092]

@@IWantToMature85 No. Did you even watch the video

[@eibecher]

“It’s not me.” That was the one sentence that made me understand. I’m glad you are able to be who you are.

[@sameash3153]

That's literally denial though. Of course it's him. It can't be anybody else. The irony is that he then becomes somebody he's not. That's what is so pernicious about the trans ideology, it encourages avoidant behavior, it encourages denial, and it repackages self harm as self discovery. Instead of actually dealing with yourself and learning to accept yourself, you hit the kill switch and pretend you've started another life.

[@Spookybluelights]

“... I feel... happy.” How dare you turn an iconic and hilarious joke into heartwarming gibberish. I’m not crying because I’m overcome with joy or anything.

[@kidlitfanful]

@Crocoshark "And the answer is...I feel like shit."

[@percyokoben6270]

I’m watching this for the second time and I just realized that Abigail got an actor to portray her pre-transition self and I’m smacking myself on the forehead because I didn’t realize it, but I’m also realizing the strength of Abigail’s writing, because it’s just as convincing when delivered by someone else. Such a strong mind!

[@maniacrecords6220]

Wait really?

[@sofastuffing]

@@maniacrecords6220 yes, the man at the start is Rhys Tees

[@GummybearOverLord]

I rewatched this video a few times before I noticed myself LMAO so you’re def not alone there. I was under the impression that she recorded the first bit pre transition 😭

[@waegit1697]

😅 I did think something was slightly off, but honestly thought it was either dad body make-up or genuine physical change to being unhappy ~ was very convincing

[@hcxpl1]

I'm still finding this hard to wrap my head atound bc the body language is just so similar to me, specially at the beginning; and the fact that I wasn't that familiar with the channel prior to this makes it even weirder.

[@amitthehuman]

I'm honestly kinda surprised that Abigail was worried that her fans won't accept her. Like this might be the best possible audience to come out to. But I also get that the fear that you have in the closet isn't always logical and you can be scared to show who you are even in extremely socially conscious environments.

[@britneyhochman5204]

And there’s the added factor of being out to the general public.

[@gregorisomariva2031]

You wouldn't believe how many people think she's just doing this for clout. Is more than 0 which is already too many.

[@britneyhochman5204]

@@gregorisomariva2031 I honestly don't even wanna know how many XD I'm way too happy for her to give a shit about that

[@sleeping885]

I expect the worry is more about the people that know about her, but aren't fans. I've seen a ton of shit on twitter from random transphobes that don't even watch her videos.

[@tylerodonnnell6821]

I think she was less worried about being wholesale rejected, and more concerned how her male audience might react considering she had become, at least to some, something of a male role model. At least thts what I understood her to mean.

[@nadiakent4082]

I started transitioning at age 54, three years ago. I tried for a really long time to avoid this. Something you said really stood out for me was that you were at peace. That really captures how I feel right now. I spent 3 years in combat. And the feeling I get is like hearing all the guns going off, then it is suddenly go silent, and you know there is nothing to be afraid of anymore, and you are at peace.

[@Random_saturday]

So proud of you ❤

[@universal_stupidity]

hearing about older trans people (older compared to my generation, im 18) always makes me tear up. Older trans people, trans people who are well into adulthood but still living the same life us younger trans people are, that gives me hope for the future. I'm so happy you have found yourself, and I hope you get to live as yourself for a long, happy time

[@prestine2]

The smile that lit your face as you walked through the door is so radiant. I feel so warm having seen it, and it must only be a glimpse of the love and happiness you must be feeling. I am so, so happy for you that you could find such a smile. It's beautiful. Thank you.

[@Jana-ho9mu]

I cheered out loud :)

[@siblinghoodsys]

+

[@GrahfGames]

Over a year? Over a year?! Give this woman a fucking Oscar. She deserves one.

[@lizardguy4236]

Give her all the awards a Tony, a Grammy, the World Cup

[@FusionFullForce]

@@lizardguy4236 Its coming home lads, lasses and laddies? Enby equivalent of Lad?

[@metalicrobot66]

But if she wrote this almost a year ago...had she even begun transitioning? That wasn’t super clear to me...either way! Sounds like it’s been a CHUNK of time.

[@braydentobin5150]

@@FusionFullForce I think it’s lassos

[@ElfriedeKlien]

@@braydentobin5150 the magical lasoo

[@DoSeOst]

As a cis man, having heard about a man transitioning to being a woman, I couldn't quite wrap my head around, how this happens. I asked myself: "Can this happen to anyone? To myself? Is it predetermined at birth, puberty or does it just happen? Does it happen in a snap of a finger or does it grow over time?" And then I realised, that it doesn't matter. And that my inability imagining myself as a woman is quite the same for trans persons just opposite. They probably just can't imagine themselves as the gender assigned at birth. I may be wrong and I really hope to not offend anyone with my blabbering. And I have to say that I don't cling to "traditional" roles for men and fathers. I really feel happy for Abigail and anyone else, who is able to dare to be happy. Be who You are! Alas You still have to have courage to be public about it but it is getting better.

[@luisfestas4418]

I like the part where you got to the conclusion that "it doesn't matter". Because that's it, it doesn't. What is good is that she feels happy now, isn't it?

[@Novelette22]

Not offensive in the slightest, in fact you are extremely accurate in your comment. It doesn't actually matter at the end of it all!

[@maxgarcia1454]

You're pretty spot on. As a trans guy, its genuinely a very weird feeling to look back on my childhood and know that I lived all that time as a girl. It's like having someone else's memories, but you have to keep reminding yourself that they're yours. So much of who I am is deeply rooted in my experiences being a girl, but I could never imagine myself as a woman. It's a very hard feeling to describe, but I appreciate you being able to empathize this way.

[@evieyak]

This is beautiful. Thank you ❤️

[@azukib2230]

You are right. Us trying to perform our AGAB is as confusing as you imagining yourself as a women. Before accepting myself I would overcompensate by subscribing extra fervently to gender roles, but now that I’m secure in my identity I don’t care if I act more fem or masc

[@tobiasruland4553]

I am born 1970 and identifying as a non-binary bi-gender person. I really love your approach, your coming-out and your ability to show other transpeople that life could actually be easy if we and others simply could accept whatever we are and treat us like regular humasn beings. I hope that one day - for following generations - our coming-outs will be a non-event. Lots of love.

[@evanstone724]

Its so disconcerting to hear her writing voice coming out of someone else's mouth. The word choice, the inflection all so very Abigail with the wrong face. Very well done.

[@trickvro]

I feel like even the exact accent was spot-on.

[@BlueHumanDevil]

The mannerisms were on point too!

[@aWERFRGT6545BGFG]

nice prussia pfp

[@donaldduck3888]

Thanks for that comment. My prosopagnosia really had me confused there. I just couldn't figure out if they were the same person I always watched or not.

[@agrainofsun]

@@donaldduck3888 yeah me too, I only watched two videos of hers before this one and 5 minutes in I stopped and started opening all other videos trying to figure out if he was in fact her or not

[@VioletEnds]

Is it just me, or does "Abigail Thorne" sound like the name of a bad ass dystopian YA novel protagonist? And I'm totally here for it

[@liviamuze]

It really does!!!

[@dont_harsh_my_mellow]

Omg yes. It sounds badass but not with that cringe aspect of those other names lol. But then again...we all know Abigail Thorne is the protagonist. We’re side characters lol.

[@beckstheimpatient4135]

And don't forget she's also a descendant of royalty. Badass lost princess arc in a YA novel. Current rulers want her dead, an extremist restoration movement wants her as a puppet queen, nobody asks her what she wants. Hilarity and murder ensues.

[@ZombieFighter95]

To be fair, so did her deadname. It's the last name I think.

[@SeaPupperEnthusiast]

It would only fit the bill even more if her nickname was Gail

[@Parsec21]

to the man who isnt't there and to the woman who is: thank you. and to the strangers reading this who might or might not care. i am bi. i still don't want to say it out loud in an empty room. i will most definitely not type it out anywhere else any time soon but this comment section is huge and this video is brave and my heart is bursting with emotion and i cannot sit here and look at abigail and listen to her amazing, warm voice and pretend im straight. it's time to quit my shitty job, even if im not ready to tell anyone else that

[@erinmcdonald7781]

It's cool, but it can be scary to take that leap of faith that people will accept you for who you are. I think of it as diving into cool lake. Maybe shocking, exhilarating at first, but then moving through the water becomes comfortable and natural.

[@bethkeenan8800]

Good luck!👍

[@anonymouse7079]

Me toooooo ♥️♥️♥️

[@Parsec21]

@@erinmcdonald7781 it is indeed scary. I'm still shaking just thinking about what this means to me. I am hopeful tho. Thank you for your words.

[@Parsec21]

@@bethkeenan8800 thank you, beth!

[@Gnif572]

"I'm so glad I don't have to do the voice anymore" lmao girl same. I'm a cismale, but I used to make my voice sooo much deeper than it was naturally to try and throw the homophobes off the trail. It's absolutely exhausting. Ugh..

[@mixedviews3536]

This is the “Classically Abby” we all needed 🥰

[@seretonindealer9440]

There are so many Abigails on KZbin. This cannot be a coincidence

[@emo-slime-mold]

This needs to be the top comment.

[@pharmachillist]

"Philosophically Abby"

[@LittleMissLounge]

I'm definitely here for fashion tips from this Abby.

[@kerycktotebag8164]

Philosophy Abby wears it better, and she doesn't have chuddy, time-machine politics like Abby Sharpeeno

[@mouthfulofdirt]

"do I feel like a man or a woman and the answer is I feel happy" brb happy crying

[@Frostflame]

My current spin on that quote is: “Do I feel like a man or a woman? The answer is AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA”

[@useroffline9999]

@@Frostflame the answer is that i am a swarm of bees in a trench coat

[@Frostflame]

@@useroffline9999 And the answer to THAT is that I am two trenchcoats inside of a kid

[@ProfessorStuDDS]

Abigail Thorn comes out as the single greatest male impersonator KZbin's ever seen. Jesus Christ woman you've had me fooled for YEARS now

[@tigoman9214]

So much so when I watched her Anti-Semitism video i legit thought she was just a man who liked and was really good at cross dressing lmao

[@Kotosuatz]

She even told us multiple times that she is an actor.

[@Mesafina]

I always thought it was pretty obvious she was at least foot in the water with regard to possibly being tg, but I also am very close to alot of tg friends and family so I might just be more used to spotting it.

[@madjarov42]

To be fair, she's had an entire government, legal, and (partly) social system supporting that role.

[@saf4433]

She did have years of experience

[@epochrose]

Dear Abigail, I have been watching your channel for about 3 years, not long before this came out, as soon as I saw my first I jumped to watch every video in your backlog. I instantly admired you, your character became the first real queer masculine role model I resonated with. Your discussion of bisexuality and hedonism was illuminating and freeing, I wanted desperately to be able to play a character like him, to grow up to be like him. You gave me the first real picture of how I could explore my sexuality and the masculine gender I was living with at the time. When this video came out I was surprised, but I was happy for you, I had learned a lot about trans people and trans issues already but the perspective of someone just announcing it to their audience was newly inspiring. I didn't mourn the loss of a masculine example, all the lessons had already been shared, but I wasn't ready to come to terms with my own gender yet either, it took another year before I realized who I wanted to be, which has been the most incredible journey of my life. You became a role model again, I had stayed a viewer the whole time, and I loved your new costumes and the concepts you were able to explore. I followed your advocacy and was proud to be in a community with you and so many other inspirational trans figures. Yesterday I came back to this video, and I wept as I watched, I cried even after it ended and all I was left with was memories of the first time I watched it. I cried for how brave you were to come out like you did. I cried for how much I wish I had recognized myself in your words when I first heard them. I cried for the impact you had on me, even when I didn't realize it as I came out. I cried for how deeply this video speaks to me now with the power of hindsight. I cried for how empowering and freeing your message was. I cried because I can now, when I so rarely did before. I am so grateful for everything you make and share, your art and research has impacted me and so many others so much. You remain an inspiration to me, thank you for all your words through these years, thank you for being strong and putting yourself out into the world, thank you for standing up for all our trans siblings and all the care and love you bring to the world. Much Love, - A Happy Woman

[@OpreRoma]

Guys, "male" Philosophy Tube was merely an amazing piece of performance art by the talented actress, Abigail Thorn Seriously, Abigail just owns her identity so well, as a fellow MtF i am inspired

[@IAmBuddythedecibwave]

I know right? She's an amazing actress!

[@P4GYY]

ye he is a good actor. this whole pretending to be a woman thing is politically ideal.

[@MrJimheeren]

@@P4GYY how is it to be such a pessimist about life. Does the world change to fast for you

[@P4GYY]

@@MrJimheeren I'm not a pessimist tho? big fan of Pinkers data suggesting we're doing better and will do better in the future on most metrics. I just don't buy this persons transition.

[@P4GYY]

@@MrJimheeren Whats it like going through life so wide eyed believing everything everybody tells you, and accepting self-ID. Do you believe theres any transitioners who are mistaken or bad actors?

[@ink7761]

After watching this 5 times, I have some things I noticed. When The Man Who Isn't There is reading the quotes, Abby's voice comes in to read them, and after she's done, it cuts back to him, and he seems a little surprised or flustered, as though he was hearing her too. That, to me, mirrors some of my experience of being trans. Sometimes something would happen, and it would feel like someone else was there for a moment, doing the thing I had been doing, but that someone felt more like me than anything else I'd ever felt, and eventually, I found a way to be that someone every day. I don't want to speculate on abby, but perhaps that was a similar experience.

[@narcie13]

benjamin ramsey yep :)

[@jdmmg4904]

💟

[@beautifulhorsepictures]

reading this i realize now, as someone who's transmasc, that i experienced this too! it would come in moments where i would think to myself after, "wow, that was great! but that's not really me, right? that was someone else, but it was great!"

[@shardsofice]

Insightful comment.

[@ApequH]

Oh wow, even more layers!

[@authenticbaguette6673]

Virgin: Queen Abigail of Britain. Chad: Chairwoman Abigail of the The "homosexual space communists" party.

[@engleberteverything421]

I think broke/woke fits better, but I agree with your message friend.

[@Noctem_pasa]

True woke: transgender princess of terf island

[@Adraria8]

@@engleberteverything421 or Becky/Stacy lol

[@engleberteverything421]

@@Adraria8 never heard that one

[@authenticbaguette6673]

@@engleberteverything421 I'm neither black nor aware of the context of the meme, that's why I shy away from borrowing it, tbh.

[@sarahskicks]

I’m not trans, but it’s so beautiful seeing all of these comments of people who felt seen and came out. I love it!!

[@williambrasky3891]

If anyone had any doubt about this being legit, she shelled out for licensing on David Bowie. Creators this size don't just do that. This is a special occasion.

[@cocostarr937]

She has a thread on twitter where she describes what a nightmare she had licensing the song!

[@suzannah991]

@@cocostarr937 Might you have a link?

[@williambrasky3891]

@@cocostarr937 lol I hadn't come across it, so consider me as in your debt. Your information not only informed, it informed me that I was right, and that's about all I could hope for in this situation.

[@safruj5964]

Welcome to the only Abby who’s invested in politics KZbin needs

[@e.k.o5412]

Cab we forget the other one exists

[@maciejduda5257]

@@e.k.o5412 Who's the other one?

[@closegt1816]

@@maciejduda5257 shapiro

[@justynh1321]

@@maciejduda5257 classically Abbey

[@planetearthblues8346]

simply abby ✨

[@empaninnja]

Abigail, this isn't first time us men have looked up to a fictional character, and it won't be the last. Don't worry about us.

[@empaninnja]

Also, congrats!

[@levianjenkins9447]

Underrated comment

[@madjarov42]

Elon Musk had entered the chat

[@JasonMcCarrell]

Very well put. I'd like to think that before I transitioned I was a good influence to others and I don't want that erased. It is simply a past showing.

[@Nepetita69696]

@@arshiaarjomandi6279 Honestly same, all of my little crushes just popped like bubbles.