Profile of the Week: Jayden Feldman

Photo by Izzy Iardnios

Some of you may have seen Jayden Feldman around sporting events along the sidelines while he performs with the rest of the cheer team. You may have seen him in Communication and Psychology classes, as that is what he is currently majoring in. You may have seen him outside the cafeteria promoting gay-straight alliance events. He also works in the caf making your delicious coffee drinks and smoothies.

Feldman is a freshman from Colorado who chose Ottawa University because it gave him a fresh start. Sure, a lot of people come to college for a fresh start, but for him, it was different. Feldman was born a female. If you were like me, you weren’t able to tell until he told you, or until now. Feldman has been taking hormones every week for quite some time.

When he was about 4 years old, Feldman knew that he was a boy but didn’t think about transitioning until he was 12 years old. Soon after recognizing that he was ready to transition, he told his parents.

“They were a bit shocked, and it hurt them,” he says. “But they have always loved and supported me even though it was hard for them.”

Feldman confirms that this process has been a rollercoaster. There are some days when he is the happiest he’s ever been, and there are days when it has been extremely hard. He admits the hardest aspect is the mental struggle. For the most part, his friends, family, teammates, teachers and others he knows have been supportive and treat him the same way they would treat any other person.

However, there are some people who have made fun of him and called him hurtful/insulting names. Feldman even admits that some people went as far as bullying him.

“To the ones that are transphobic, I just want to say a lot of hate comes from the lack of knowledge, so at least educate yourself about it,” he says.

He adds that he is open to questions and asks people to stop using religion as a reason to defend hatred.

Some of the most exciting parts of this process have been when he first had his top surgery done. This was like a weight lifted off his shoulders because he no longer had to wear a binder. Unfortunately, he got an infection and the surgery had to be redone. Everything seems to be going much better with this surgery and Feldman is happy with the results. Another exciting part of the process was when he got his birth certificate changed. This was exciting for him because he’s now legally recognized as a male.

Feldman wants everyone to know that if they have any questions about him or the trans community, that they should go ask him.

“I truly do appreciate all the support from the school and students,” Feldman says. “It means a lot to me.”

As for anyone who might be considering transitioning, Feldman says, “Make sure you’re truly ready for it. It is a long process and there is no going back. Being mentally and emotionally prepared for it is so important. Those downs that come with the roller coaster are really down. Once they are emotionally and mentally ready though, it is the best thing you could do for yourself.”