People UNTAGGED: That Copper Boi

In this edition of People UNTAGGED we speak with Eliott, better known as That Copper Boi, a trans man and leather artisan, who shares his deeply personal gender journey. From the challenges of discovering his identity to the triumphs of transitioning, Eliott opens up about the significance of gender euphoria, the power of community support, and the importance of taking responsible steps during his transition. His story resonates with hope, resilience, and the beauty of embracing one's authentic self. 

"The first time I tried on a binder, I was euphoric. For the first time in a very long time, my chest was flat, and I felt very confident."

Thank you for making the time to have this interview. Could you start by introducing yourself briefly? Your name, where you come from, and how you identify?

My name is Eliott, but you might know me better as "ThatCopperboi" on TikTok. My pronouns are he or they, as you prefer. I come from France, but I lived in London for five years. That’s where I started posting on social media, mostly in English.

Can you tell me a bit about your daily profession? What do you do?

I’m a leather smith. I make things out of leather both at work and at home. I work for a brand making purses and wallets, and at home, I make mediaeval accessories, like holsters and neck corsets.

Where does your fascination with leather come from?

I love making costumes but didn’t have enough money to buy them, so I started making them myself. I volunteered for a mediaeval association, doing sword fighting and helping with costumes and accessories. That’s how I was introduced to leathercraft, and I loved it so much I made it my job.

Can you tell me more about your gender identity?

I’m a trans man, more precisely, a demi-boy. On the gender spectrum, I’m between non-binary and male. I used to need a binder every day because I had a large chest, but now, I’ve had top surgery. 

How did you feel when you first started wearing a binder?

It was euphoric. I still remember the first time I wore one—it was the first time in a long time that my chest was flat, and I felt confident. I could finally wear clothes without feeling embarrassed by my body. Before, I wore black to hide my curves, but after that, I started wearing bright colours.

"I realised  my voice wasn’t right, my curves, my shape, my everything. And I was trying too hard to be feminine… and failing at it."

Can you share how you discovered your gender identity?

It’s a funny story. I was on TikTok, and there was this trend where you pretended to sing in different voices—one masculine, one feminine. When I did it, I started crying because I realised the masculine voice felt right for me. That’s when I understood why I felt so wrong in my body—my voice, my curves, everything. That’s when I started accepting myself as a man.

Did you have any support through this process?

Yes, my friends were incredibly supportive. They helped me try new pronouns and gendered me with neutral terms, which is quite difficult in french . Their support was key, especially when things were difficult.

How did you start looking into the medical aspects of transitioning?

About a year after I realised I was trans because I wanted to be sure it was the right decision. It took another year to get hormones because you need a few approvals from different doctors and psychiatrists, but now I’ve been on hormones for two years, and I haven’t paid a cent. The French healthcare system is great in that way.

Do you have any advice for people reading this interview, particularly those questioning their gender identity?

It gets better. Transitioning is difficult, especially if you don’t have support. But once you start living as your true self, things improve. Everyone’s journey is different, but support from friends or online communities is key. Surround yourself with people who care and understand.

"Transitioning is very difficult, but once you achieve your goal, things get better. Support from friends or online communities is key."