Musician Jaimie Wilson posted the image last week to encourage people not to judge others by their outward appearance.

“DON’T JUDGE A BOOK BY ITS COVER. I am posting this picture to show that not everyone has to show ‘signs’ to be transgender. You don’t have to pass a test to prove you’re trans… and you sure as hell don’t need ANYONES approval but your own. This life is about finding yourself and becoming YOU. No one’s journey is the same…so stop comparing yourself to others.

When I came out people refused to believe I was a man because of how “Feminine” I presented for 18 years. So why am I posting this comparison? Because I want people to see it doesn’t matter what some LOOKS like… if someone has the guts to tell you ‘I’m transgender’ ‘I’m gay’ ‘I’m bisexual’ anything like that PLEASE BELIEVE them and be there for them because stereotypes need to be broken.“

Posting to Facebook, he elaborated saying that the image on the left was taken in March 2015 and the image on the right in March 2017.

“Coming out as transgender was the best and worst day of my life thus far. I miss having my family in my life… I miss my parents being proud of me… but you know what I don’t miss? I don’t miss the nights I laid alone battling with my feelings… I don’t miss waiting for everyone to leave the house so I could put on masculine clothes and tuck my long hair under a hat… I don’t miss hiding.

When you look at me I’m not the strongest, the tallest, or the most handsome man…but you know what I AM? I’m finally ME and god does it feel so good.“

Nearly 20,000 comments on Facebook later, users even offered to act as surrogate family for Jaimie. A woman named Nellie Sanchez said,

“If you want a grandma, I’m here. I love my grandsons and my granddaughters so much, if they tell me one day they are transgender, I don’t care, I’m going to love them the same! I only see a human being. And by the way you are very handsome, and as a girl, you where beautiful!“

Jaimie said he has been “overwhelmed” by the messages he had received since posting the image.

DONT JUDGE A BOOK BY ITS COVER. I am posting this picture to show that not everyone has to show "signs" to be transgender. You don't have to pass a test to prove you're trans…and you sure as hell don't need ANYONES approval but your own. This life is about finding yourself and becoming YOU. No one's journey is the same…so stop comparing yourself to others. When I came out people refused to believe I was a man because of how "Feminine" I presented for 18 years. So why am I posting this comparison? Because I want people to see it doesn't matter what some LOOKS like…if someone has the guts to tell you "I'm transgender" "I'm gay" "I'm bisexual" anything like that PLEASE BELIEVE them and be there for them because stereotypes need to be broken. #ftm #transman #transgender #transguy #transisbeautiful #trans #femaletomale #lgbtpride #polysexual #saga #genderfluid #queer #bisexual #noh8 #lgbt #gay #lesbian #loveislove #transformation #pride #blueeyes #beforeandafter #transpride #selflove #bodypositivity #loveyourself #vitamint #progress

A post shared by Tboy (@tboy61915) on Mar 10, 2017 at 5:13pm PST

Of course there are certain things that get to me, but I try and lead by example and show people that, especially with haters, that you should just ignore them. #ftm #transman #transgender #transguy #transisbeautiful #femaletomale #lgbtpride #fitness #gay #bodybuilding #nohate #trans #lifting #transformation #countryboy #lgbt #gains #biceps #underarmour #fitfam #pride #nike #selfie #healthy #selflove #progress #loveyourself #motivation

A post shared by Tboy (@tboy61915) on Mar 6, 2017 at 4:43pm PST

Everyone deserves access to safe education and acceptance. Now is an important time to speak out against Trump's lift of an order that only made schools safer for kids with different gender identities. That’s why I’m standing up and fighting for the rights of our transgender youth. We need to spread awareness and get people to LISTEN. We will make a difference. Not everyone has supportive families who will speak up for them but we want to help. I came out and started my transition while in high school so this definitely hits home. If you’re experiencing discrimination, bullying, or you’re not being given proper accommodations at your school, please send me an email with your info, your school’s info, and a little background about what’s going on so I can do my best to take action. My group of volunteers will contact your school, the school board, the state’s department of education, and your state’s representative to fight for your safety and rights. I can’t guarantee anything, obviously, but we will make them LISTEN and make them AWARE. To open a case please email fightfortransrights@gmail.com #trans #transmen #transman #transgender #transisbeautiful #transmenofinstagram #prideflag #ftm #femaletomale #translivesmatter #lgbt #lovewins #loveislove #nohate #noh8 #androgynous #progress #lgbtq #queer #genderqueer #genderfluid #gay #selfmademan #testosterone #lesbian #instagay #selflove #protecttranskids #loveyourself #pride

A post shared by Tboy (@tboy61915) on Feb 24, 2017 at 5:30pm PST

(via Gay Star News)