It came to me almost immediately once I stopped denying I was trans in 2018 - I'm a very emotionally intuitive person and it just felt right. Also, Erika with a "k" any day of the week over using a "c" or "ck"! ;-)

My middle name is an homage to a loved one from childhood and the name I would have given my daughter.

And my last name was chosen by another dear friend. Although, I'll take on Tessa's last name when we get married.

I initially chose a new last name to distance myself from estranged family. This time it'll be different... as Tessa put it: "Once to anonymize yourself and a second time to attach to someone of your own choice" - beautifully put and very true. <3