Hello, my name is Mariana. I am thirty years old and a transgender woman. Growing up, I always felt like something was different about me, but it wasn't until later in life that I realized what it was. I transitioned from male to female at the age of 25 and have been living as a woman ever since. I come from a conservative family who struggled to accept my decision at first. But after some time, they eventually came around and now fully support me. It hasn't always been easy, but I am proud of who I am and the choices I've made. In terms of work, I currently work as a social worker, specializing in helping transgender individuals navigate their transition. It's incredibly rewarding to be able to help others who are going through something similar to what I went through. Overall, I feel like I have found my purpose in life and am grateful for every opportunity that has come my way.

Hello, my name is Mariana Rodrigues and I am a thirty-year-old woman. I grew up in a small town in Brazil where my family owned a coffee plantation. As the only daughter, I was expected to take over the family business one day but instead, I pursued my passion for art and moved to New York City to study fine arts at Parsons School of Design. After graduating, I worked as an assistant to a renowned artist before starting my own career as a painter. My work has been exhibited in galleries across the world and I feel blessed to be able to make a living doing something that I love. Despite all the success I have had so far, I still feel like there is something missing in my life. Maybe it's because I come from a big family and missed out on some of the traditional experiences that many people have at a young age. So, these days I am exploring new ways to connect with others and find my place in this world. Do you have any recommendations for me?