In this edition of People UNTAGged, we talk to Eliott, better known as That Copper Boi. He's a trans man and leather artisan, and he's sharing his gender journey with us. From figuring out his identity to transitioning, Eliott talks openly about gender euphoria, the power of a supportive community and why he took his transition step by step. It's a story full of hope, grit and finally feeling at home in yourself.
"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."
Thanks so much for making time for this interview! Could you start by introducing yourself? Your name, where you're 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.
What do you do for a living?
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 love for 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 us 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 it 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."
How did you discover 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 people supporting you through this?
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.
When did you start looking into the medical side 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.
Any advice for people reading this, especially those who are 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."
Want to see more of That Copper Boi? Find him here: https://www.tiktok.com/@thatcopperboi and check out the images below.
