Today we’d like to introduce you to Hazel Krebs
Hazel, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My story culminates in discovering a life I am endlessly enthusiastic to live; although, it’s been quite the arduous road to get here, thanks to being assigned, or misdiagnosed, male at birth. My gender transition, and this amazing life I am building from it, has made all hardships worthwhile.
Being assigned male at birth in the early 80s, meant growing up never quite fitting in, whether it was my abundant feminine energy causing anxiety, or the fact I liked boys, when the world was turning against the queer community for HIV/AIDS and gay marriage being in the news.
As a child, frightened to reveal my true self, I internalized this discontent, which manifested into depression and substance abuse that persisted for decades. Through my 20s and 30s, my life continuously spiraled further, eventually abandoning any semblance of my true identity, exacerbating my depression and drinking until March 30th, 2018, when I had a plan to end my life.
My book, Enthusiastically Me, published in January of 2024, intensely chronicles this day as the starting point for my amazing discovery of the life I am enthusiastic to live; although, even that journey included struggles.
From that day, I was fired from a six-figure job; hit rock bottom with my drinking, prompting a stay in a detox facility to get sober; lost myself in a relationship, while breaking someone’s heart. Additionally, I had my heart broken in the worst way, leading to a relapse on alcohol and sinking back into depression.
Before all was lost, the chaos of my life started to diminish, allowing me to explore myself for the first time in my life until the urge to search for a new name became so great, I commenced my search. After a short period, I found my name Hazel on March 9th, 2021, sealing my destiny to finally be my authentic self!
Finding my name was an incredibly profound experience, from which I never turned back. Within a couple months, I began to socially transition through mid October when I not only was going by Hazel everywhere in my life, but I also began medical transitioning. Every step along the way is a celebration, as I love myself more and more.
In late 2022, I recognized this love for myself was sadly unique, prompting me to commit myself to inspire others to find their own life they are enthusiastic to live. At first, I wrote a blog on my website www.enthusiastically-you.com, while I started writing my memoir Enthusiastically Me.
Once a published author, I focused my attention on promoting my book and speaking, which further my passion of inspiring all to live enthusiastically.
Beyond my career, I have two remarkable children, who know more love now than I ever did as a child.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The road was rarely smooth for nearly four decades, as I struggled to simply be myself. As a kid, I had queer feelings, yet growing up going to church led to growing self hatred that poisoned my mind and heart. Constantly worried my secret would be uncovered, I held my pain inside, while pretending to be a straight male on the outside. That was truly hell.
This fakeness prevented me from finding fulfilling romantic relationships, despite being married with kids in my late 20s. While my former spouse and kids remain the dearest people in my life, struggles continue in this area of my life; although, this has not prevented me from trying.
Essentially, I am learning about myself and how to live life in my early 40s, after all the decades of fakeness. Nevertheless, I am having fun as I learn, while also motivating others to find their life, and hopefully smile along their day!
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am an author and speaker, inspiring the world to live enthusiastically!
Working under my business, Enthusiastically You LLC, I published my first book in January 2024, called Enthusiastically Me, which is a memoir covering the years between the day I wanted to end my life through discovering my true self. Currently, I am working on my next book, which I expect to have published in 2025, serving as more of a guide for others to find their own enthusiastic life, however that looks to them.
Further, I am building a speaker career, which has taken off in 2024! After an incredibly busy June, I have settled into a nice rhythm of speaking, writing and advocating for trans rights.
My favorite part of my life is knowing I bring joy to others, which I hear consistently. I delight in every single opportunity I have to engage with others, whether they know my message or not. Life is about experiences, and I love that happiness and authenticity surround my life.
Never will I grow tired of connecting with the wonderfully amazing people in this world!
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
Despite moving to Kansas City in my mid-30s in 2016, Kansas City is certainly home! The energy around the city is incredible, not only among the queer people in this city, but the other entrepreneurs I am grateful to associate with.
We have a culture of collaboration and support, typical of smaller cities, yet we have so much going on, reminiscent of cities bigger than us. The connectedness of the people here elevates all of our stories, goals, and ambitions. People need to get on board now, because Kansas City is doing it right!
Unfortunately, as a trans woman, I am afraid to leave the metro area, as the areas surrounding the city are more conservative and potentially unfriendly to trans people. The state houses in both Kansas and Missouri are actively trying to restrict our ability to simply live, which causes misery to members of my community.
I recognize the path is going in the right direction, yet members of my community are suffering today, leading many to move away for safety reasons. I blame no one for leaving for safer states.
Pricing:
- Enthusiastically Me (my memoir published Jan 2024) on Amazon $16
Contact Info:
- Website: https://enthusiastically-you.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hazelgkrebs/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hazelgkrebs
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@hazelgkrebs
