Around May last year, I visited my cousin for a coffee to talk about my coming out, after she learned about it from my dad. We talked about me and my secret second life online, discussing all the things I couldn't before.

I made sure to dress up appropriately for the occasion, and when she first saw me come in the door she got extremely excited; even more so than most other people who'd seen me as I transitioned. The moment stuck with me strongly enough that I knew I had to commit it to a drawing, and as I left I asked her to tell me what animal she thinks she'd be - to which she answered "golden retriever." 

I've been fond of her for a very long time, but given the differences in our social circles, and the extremely cisgendered urge to want to be seen as one of the girls when hanging out together, I never felt like I could have a real connection with her. I genuinely believe that coming out as trans brought us closer together.

Finally getting to show her this art in person a couple months ago was genuinely wonderful; she absolutely loved it.