Who is Coach Lee?
Hey, my name is Coach Lee Hopkins.
I’m a transman.
I’m autistic.
But most importantly, I am passionate about helping late diagnosed autistic adults (like me) create strong and supportive social circles.
As an autistic transgender man, I know firsthand the challenges that come with those identities.
Being autistic, I often felt isolated and alone because I missed social cues and couldn’t understand “the rules.”
Being transgender I often believed that no one could really relate or understand my experience, so I should keep it a secret.
But here's the thing: my struggle wasn't just because of my gender identity or my autism.
It was because I was too afraid to be vulnerable.
Instead, I opted to people please or move from city to city in search of the “perfect” friend group.
But there was no such thing as a “perfect” group.
When I was tired of being disappointed, used and eventually discarded by people, I’d find another group where The Cycle of Loneliness would repeat.
I was stuck in this cycle for several years.
It’s only when I stopped trying to fit in, stopped relentlessly giving help and stopped hiding myself that I began to make real relationships.
If you have been stuck and this resonates with you, I have great news:
You can change it!
To create healthy, meaningful relationships, you must bring three key elements to the table:
A sense of self- If you don't have a sense of self, you'll try to fit in.
Boundaries - If you don't have boundaries, you'll accept anything.
Vulnerability - If you aren't vulnerable, you won't share, and no one will get to know the real you.
