Trans TikToker Rory, a musician with over 62,000 followers, is opening up about his unique — though increasingly familiar — journey through gender identity and evolving sexuality.
“I was a lesbian woman and now I’m a gay man,” Rory said in a recent video, offering insight into a deeply personal path that has resonated with many in the LGBTQ+ community.
From Lesbian to Non-Binary to Trans Man
In a conversation with PinkNews, Rory explained how he came out in stages:
“I came out as a lesbian, and then I came out as non-binary, and then I came out as trans.
I identified as a lesbian for a very long time. I was solid in that identity. There was no fluidity there, no interest in men.”
But after transitioning, his orientation shifted:
“Now that I’ve transitioned, I can date men and I’m still in a queer relationship.
I don’t find myself attracted to girls anymore, and I don’t know if that’s because then I would be in a straight relationship… I’m almost like, I’m too queer for that.”
Rory’s experience is far from isolated. A 2014 study published in PLOS One found that around 28% of trans people experience a change in their sexual orientation post-transition — a change that isn’t necessarily linked to medical transition steps like hormones or surgery. Researchers point to greater self-acceptance and body awareness as major factors.
“Maybe I Wanted to Be Them”
Rory reflected further:
“Maybe there was a hatred toward men because I wanted to, like, be them… but I didn’t know that for so long.”
Today, he’s navigating both his own masculinity and how others perceive it.
“Some people would meet me and when they realise I’m trans, or if they find out or they knew before, they’re like, ‘Oh, why do you act feminine?’
I’m like, ‘Oh, well, because I’m like, gay.’
Some people in their heads, they’re like, ‘If you wanted to be a man, why are you not being their version of a man?’ And that is what some trans people think, as well.”
Rory said this internal and external negotiation is part of the trans experience — but being able to manifest his true self outwardly has been vital.
‘That Moment Changed Everything’
In one of his latest TikToks, Rory shared the powerful moment when he realised he was being seen as a man by others — an everyday situation that became a defining milestone.
“The moment I knew I was starting to pass as a trans man was the moment I went to go to the women’s toilets.
Because like, up until that point, I obviously wasn’t going to the men’s toilets — I didn’t feel comfortable doing that.”
“Anyway, I head to the toilets, and I was at the station, and there was a security man standing outside, and he was like, ‘Excuse me! The men’s toilet is that way!’ My boyfriend was there, and I was like…”
He gave a big thumbs up, smiling as he recalled the moment.
