Bel, who has amassed 1.3 million fans on TikTok, discusses her virtual transition experience.
Priestley, Bel was raised in a small area close to Milton Keynes and had no idea what it meant to be trans.
Bel, who was born a child, realized she wanted to change at the age of 13.
She began posting her experience online, and as a result, TikTok has 1.3 million fans.
The 20-year-old’s use of social media helped her land a leading role as Naomi in the Netflix set Heartstopper, which has received praise for its diverse cast and plot.
Here, she discusses how she overcame bullying at school in order to serve as an example for kids like her.
“I have experienced bullying my entire life”
I was a very feminine boy growing up in Leighton Buzzard, but being transgender wasn’t really an issue. I had no idea it was possible.
I have experienced bullying my entire life. After punching one of my abusers in the head, I moved schools at the age of six, but I also experienced bullying at my new school.
My father is a very muscular man, and I was an only child. I tried to please him by playing football, baseball, and judo, but I definitely wanted to act and perform because he wanted me to play sports.
Priestley, Bel
Bel came out as gay when he was 12 years old and afterward began teaching makeup courses.
I came out as gay when I was 12 years old. I was experiencing a lot of emotions and was so anxious that I wouldn’t eat. I also frequently experienced panic attacks.
I ended up in the hospital due to an eating disorder. Although it had nothing to do with my physical appearance, I felt as though I had no control over anything in my life, and the only thing I had control over was what I ate.
My parents were divorcing at the same time, and it was a very trying time in my life. They were so concerned about me that I kept a lot of things to myself.
My mother allowed me to use a hidden makeup chamber, but my father was unaware of it. I had to cover my face on the way out of my prom in year eight so he wouldn’t see me wearing makeup.
When I learned what transgender was on Instagram at the age of 13, everything suddenly made sense. The following morning, I came out as transgender. I immediately recognized it as true, contrary to what my parents first believed. I made the decision to rename myself and began attending school while wearing a skirt.
People let me do my own thing when I was just a queer boy playing around with makeup. The abuse became more severe when I turned transgender.
After that, it was a struggle to survive, and I thought my youth was over. I had to sit by myself at breakfast in a lonely place because I was too scared to go to training and I may walk around the hallways.
At my school, I was the first to transition. Some of my teachers were incredibly kind to me and helped me, while others were awful. One teacher forbade me from using the girls’ restrooms and insisted on using my birth name.
“I couldn’t find anyone online who was like me.”
Netflix
When Bel first started transitioning, she was unable to find any role models online.
My father and I got along much better at home, and we became a little closer. He wanted me to feel comfortable with who I was. My home has accepted me as Bel, which is really fortunate for me.
But a lot of the day, I also felt alone. I looked online when I first came out as transgender to see if there were any other individuals like me, but I had a hard time finding somebody.
I began posting makeup courses on YouTube, which increased my vulnerability to bullies at my school but also gave me the opportunity to make friends with people who shared my interests online. I was one of the first transgender women in the UK to post their story on social media.
During the coronavirus lockdown, everything changed for me. I used to work as a cleaner at my old school, but I made the decision to stop and concentrate more on my social media, where I eventually grew in popularity.
Around the same day that I started taking estrogen, I was recording my journey. My story sparked a lot of interest from followers, and in just one month, I gained 400,000 followers.
“I want to play conversation starter roles.”
Priestley, Bel
Bel says that one of her best experiences was filming Heartstopper.
One of my favorite activities in my life was filming Heartstopper. I feel incredibly fortunate. To complete my transition, I would like to have surgery one day, but I’m not in a rush. It’s a big operation, but I’m lucky I don’t feel incredibly dysphoric because I can accept and accept my body for the time being. Many people start their lives with surgery, but mine is presently going well, and I am so appreciative of that.
I currently have a really nice friend group at home. I don’t have to talk about work; I can unwind and be myself. It’s like taking a breath of fresh air.
I always take a moment to reflect on what has happened. I’m constantly working toward the next goal and aspire to excellence. I’ve always been quite driven, and I believe that a lot of it stems from my desire to disprove people’s claims.
A Disney princess would be my ideal acting part, and I have no doubt that it may revolutionize society. I do adore to portray a Bond woman or hero, as well as more modeling. I want to take on roles that spark conversation and slightly disrupt the industry.
Priestley, Bel
Bel wants to disrupt the acting world and hopes to one day play a Disney princess.
I had to take 10 more steps in order to enter a place where I was transgender and still be perceived as such.
I want to set an example for the younger generation and ultimately motivate them. I detest the idea of people experiencing the same level of isolation as I did as a child.
When I receive comments saying that I have assisted people in coming out to their families, it is beautiful. I just want to be the best role model I can because I am aware of how important role models can be to individuals. I want to be the adult version of myself.
As disclosed to Charlie Jones
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