When I came out and transitioned, I found myself with a surprising amount of free time. My circle of friends is small but loving, and with my children now grown and living their own lives, my days and evenings often feel quieter than I’d like. Too often, I spent hours alone in my apartment, overthinking or losing myself in television shows or streams that did nothing for my mind or spirit. Video games, while fun, became an easy trap that left me feeling restless and unfulfilled.
One evening last week, I realized that I didn’t want to spend the next decade on autopilot, bouncing between screens. I wanted something more. I wanted a hobby that gave me purpose and joy, something to look forward to beyond my work and daily routine. That’s when I decided to finally pursue a dream I’ve carried for decades: learning to play the guitar.
As I write this, the guitar is on its way. It arrives tomorrow, and I feel the kind of anticipation I haven’t felt since childhood. I keep thinking about the first time I’ll hold it, about the sound of those first tentative notes. For years, I told myself I’d get one “someday.” Life was always busy. There were children to raise, bills to pay, and endless reasons to put my own desires last. But now, with space in my life and a little courage, I’m ready to begin.
The truth is that hobbies aren’t just for kids or retirees. They’re for anyone who needs a spark of curiosity, creativity, or movement in their life. And for transgender people, who often face isolation or feel like outsiders, hobbies can become lifelines.
Hobbies as an Anchor for Mental Health
There’s a unique kind of peace that comes from focusing your energy on something creative or challenging. For me, even the idea of learning guitar has shifted my mindset. Instead of worrying about the future or replaying old memories, I’ve been imagining melodies and thinking about songs I want to learn.
Hobbies offer structure, and structure is powerful. Having something to work toward, even if it’s as simple as mastering a single chord, adds purpose to your day. It also provides emotional balance. When my mind starts spiraling into self-doubt or anxiety, I know I’ll have a place to redirect that energy.
Creativity is deeply tied to self-expression. As a transgender woman, I’ve spent much of my life finding ways to express my authentic self, whether through style, voice, or personal storytelling. Music feels like an extension of that process. It’s not about being perfect or impressing anyone. It’s about creating something that reflects who I am now.
Physical Wellness Through Active Hobbies
Not every hobby needs to be artistic or still. Activities like hiking, yoga, or gardening have a unique way of grounding the body and mind together. For those of us who have complicated relationships with our bodies, physical hobbies can foster a sense of appreciation for what our bodies can do, rather than how they look.
Photography day trips have been my stepping stone into this balance. I’ll pack a camera, get in the car, and explore new places: parks, rivers, and quiet downtown streets. These little adventures get me moving, give me a dose of nature or urban beauty, and leave me with something tangible to show for my day. But even with that, I still craved something for the hours I spent at home. That’s where the guitar fits in.
Starting Something New Later in Life
One of the most common excuses people use for not starting a hobby is, “I’m too old.” I used to think that way too. Then I asked myself, “If not now, when?”
Starting something new in midlife or later is actually liberating. There’s no pressure to become a professional or to achieve some arbitrary level of skill. It’s about enjoying the process. In fact, having decades of life experience gives you a deeper perspective. When I pick up my guitar for the first time tomorrow, I’ll bring with me all the resilience, patience, and self-awareness I’ve gained through my journey. That makes the learning feel richer.
Why I Chose Guitar
Music has always been part of my life in small ways. I played trumpet in junior high, but that fizzled out when theater became my main focus. Guitar, however, always fascinated me. I admired the way it could fill a room with sound, soft or loud, simple or soulful.
Ordering the guitar was symbolic. It felt like choosing myself for the first time in a long time. It’s a promise to do something I’ve wanted for years, to stop letting excuses hold me back. Even though I haven’t strummed a single chord yet, I feel like I’ve already started.
The plan is simple: I’ll take it one step at a time. I’ll start with the basics, learning a few chords and finger placements, celebrating every tiny improvement. I’m not aiming to become a star performer. This is for me, and that’s enough.
Hobbies as a Social Connector
One of the beautiful things about hobbies is the way they can connect you with others. While I tend to enjoy my solitude, I know that joining a beginner’s music class or connecting with other photographers could open new doors for friendship and support.
For transgender individuals, this can be especially important. We often struggle to find spaces where we feel fully accepted. A shared passion, whether it’s for music, art, or fitness, can create that space. And it doesn’t always have to be in person. Online communities can be just as powerful. I’ve already found a few trans-friendly groups where people share videos of themselves learning instruments or showing off their creative projects. It feels good to know that I can share my progress there too.
Encouragement for Families and Friends
If you have a transgender family member or friend who’s considering a hobby, your encouragement can mean the world. A kind word, a willingness to listen, or even sharing in the activity can create a sense of connection and validation. The simple act of saying, “That sounds amazing; I’d love to see what you create,” can be deeply affirming.
Looking Forward
As I sit here waiting for the guitar to arrive, I can feel a shift happening. There’s excitement, but there’s also relief. I’m no longer just filling my days with distractions. I’m choosing something that nourishes me, something that makes me feel alive.
Photography started this journey, teaching me how to slow down and notice beauty. Guitar will continue it, giving me a way to create beauty from scratch. I don’t know how quickly I’ll learn or whether I’ll ever be particularly good, but that doesn’t matter. What matters is that I’m trying and that I’m enjoying the process.
Why Hobbies Matter for Transgender People
Hobbies give us permission to be fully ourselves. They allow us to create, move, and explore without judgment. For many transgender people, who often face isolation or misunderstanding, hobbies become a way to build confidence and resilience. They remind us that our lives are not defined solely by our gender or our struggles, but by the passions and interests that bring us joy.
Physical hobbies help us appreciate our bodies. Creative hobbies help us express our stories. Even small activities, like tending to a plant or learning a new recipe, can offer a sense of accomplishment and peace.
Tips for Choosing Your Hobby: Quick Guide
| Category | Examples | Why It Might Work for You |
|---|---|---|
| Creative / Artistic | Painting, writing, music, photography, drawing | Expresses identity, emotion, self‑love; therapeutic |
| Physical / Movement | Yoga, hiking, dance, martial arts, gardening | Boosts health, hormones, endorphins, body positivity |
| Mindful / Crafty | Knitting, sewing, puzzles, model‑making | Calming, meditative, skill‑building, manageable alone |
| Practical / Learning | Cooking, language learning, coding, DIY projects | Gains tangible skills; sparks curiosity and independence |
| Combination | Nature photography + solo travel + journaling | Integrates movement, creativity, mental exploration |
- Pick what sounds fun first; don’t overthink it. Your brain might try to force you into “productive” goals. Just choose what feels interesting, even if it feels silly at first.
- Find beginner-friendly entry points. Buy or borrow basic equipment: a guitar, camera, paint set, or yoga mat. Nothing flashy, just enough to get started. Also, use free online resources or local low‑cost classes geared toward beginners.
- Build small habits, not massive routines. Even 10–20 minutes a day can feel rewarding. Consistency over intensity. Give yourself permission to stop whenever it doesn’t feel fun in that moment.
- Celebrate your progress. Share your first chord progression with a friend or online trans community. Celebrate the first photo, the first meal cooked, or the first DIY project hung on the wall. Keep a little log or journal, not for performance, just for presence.
- Connect when comfortable. If you want company, book a beginner’s class, attend a pottery workshop, or join a local trans‑friendly makerspace. If you prefer solo: discover podcasts, blogs, or Instagram accounts to follow and feel connected from afar.
The Bottom Line
If you’ve ever told yourself that it’s too late to try something new, I hope my story shows that it’s never too late. Whether you’re 26 or 76, you have every right to explore the hobbies that call to you.
Tomorrow, my guitar arrives, and I’ll start with a single chord. Maybe it will sound rough. Maybe my fingers will stumble. But I’ll be doing something I’ve wanted to do for decades, and that feels like a victory already.
If you’ve been thinking about something you’ve always wanted to try, consider this your sign to go for it. Start small, take your time, and let yourself enjoy the journey.
