Up-and-coming Transgender skateboarder Lau Willems has been receiving support from growing queer skate community as she continues building her life after transitioning.
Her experience has included both personal growth and difficult adjustments in how she is treated in everyday situations.
In a recent conversation with Dolores Magazine, Willems spoke about how she feels more confident in herself since transitioning, saying that overall life feels better to her now.
At the same time, she explained that living as a woman has come with experiences she did not have before, especially in public spaces and social environments.
She described feeling more cautious when going out at night and said she now often chooses routes that feel safer, such as well lit or more crowded streets.
She also reflected on how her social interactions have changed, saying she has noticed situations where she feels talked over or not given the same attention she once received in professional settings.
Before transitioning, Willems worked full time as an engineer and felt that people generally listened to her in meetings.
After her transition, she noticed a change in how she is heard during discussions, describing moments where her input is interrupted or overlooked.
She also spoke about the emotional process of transition and how it has affected her mentally.
Willems said she has learned to care less about outside opinions and focus more on her own sense of well being.
She also mentioned learning to recognize that difficult emotional periods are temporary, and that her perspective often shifts with time.
Friendship has played a strong role in her experience.
Willems shared that she feels grateful for the support of friends who stayed with her through different stages of her life, and she feels that openness with them has helped strengthen those relationships.
When reflecting on what she would say to others going through similar experiences, Willems focused on self acceptance and support systems.
She noted the importance of knowing that there are people who will accept and care for you, even when facing negative opinions from others.
She encouraged staying true to oneself and staying connected with people who offer genuine support.
Willems’ reflections show a mix of personal confidence, social adjustment, and ongoing learning as she continues her life after transitioning, balancing both the positive changes she feels internally and the challenges she has encountered externally.