sir if you ever need to, feel free to gush all you want about trans keith to me because that’s everything i need rn😳
Omg thank you! 💖 I feel he's another relatable trans boy (Even if it isn't canon, but when has that stopped me before). Pls excuse typos, I've had a 5 day migraine.
So my headcanons that somewhat follow the canon timeline:
He never told his dad he was trans. He loved his dad so much and was afraid he wouldn't be accepted. (He would have been though.) So he was okay with being a 'tomboy' for the time being if that meant his father would stay.
After his father passed away he decided if the only person he had around him consistantly was himself, he was going to be the most authetic version of himself.
He named himself after his dad, so he's a jr.
He would start fights with other boys to prove how tough he was. He really wasn't as hot-headed as he seemed, just certain boys would push his buttons with their rude comments. He was picked on for being so tiny, an orphan, ect.
His foster families were neglectful. They never knew where he was and didn't care. He couldn't go to them for anything. So he did what he could to transition. For years Keith would bind with ace bandages, not knowing any better.
One day while attending The Garrison he ends up damaging his ribs while binding and he reluctantly tells Shiro. He knows pain this sharp can't be good. Shiro is like 'nope, we're getting you a proper binder.' After that Keith knows he has finally found support.
Keith isn't afraid of most things, but he loathes doctors and hospitals. Shiro understands this, he is anxious around them as well, but he makes sure to go with Keith to every appointment. Doesn't matter if it's a check up, blood work, consult, ect. Shiro is there and holding Keith's hand.
One thing Keith hates more than doctors? Needles. What form of T was he prescribed? Of course it would be injections, it was the only form that was covered. Once he actually worked for The Garrison they would be willing to pay for gel or patches. But as a student he had minimal coverage. He's so nervous for his first injection he makes Shiro give him the shot. Gradually Keith starts injecting himself as weeks go by. Eventually Shiro doesn't have to do them for him at all.
Keith is able to get top surgery before Shiro leaves for his mission. He takes care of Keith as he heals and makes Keith promise to take care of himself when he's in space.
Keith falls into depression hard when Shiro is pressumed dead. He drops out of The Garrison, stops seeing doctors, gets T either on the street or steals it when he can.
Things get complicated once Shiro returns and everyone ends up lost in space. Keith is happy to have Shiro back and has come to realize he might have developed romantic feelings for him at some point.
Keith and Lance fight a lot for the simple reason that Keith feels threatened and jealous. Lance is similar to him in many ways, but different enough, more male, it pulls at his insecurities. Makes him feel like he's not enough for anyone...especially not Shiro. His anger stems more from self-hatred than anything to do with Lance personally. (Spoiler: When Shiro disappears and they are down a paladin, Keith feels like he is losing his mind. He needs to talk to someone, but Shiro isn't there. He means to go to Hunk, he knows he has a kind heart and has grown closer to him. But he's going to collapse in tears and choke on the bile rising in his throat. He bangs on the nearest door, which happens to be Lance's. He pours his heart out to him, tells him every thing, his dad, the orphanage, his transition, Shiro, his crush on Shiro, how he isn't fit to be the black lion's paladin. After that things change a lot. Lance teases him, but not on things he's insecure about. When Shiro comes back Lance actually tries to play matchmaker. Keith doesn't snap near as much at Lance and when he does he later apologizes.)
Keith goes to Pidge and asks if they can make a synthetic version of T from anything. It takes multiple stops at various planets but Pidge is able to make a patch for Keith to wear and it's far more effective than any earth version.
As time in space passes Shiro finds himself returning feelings for Keith. What might have once been brotherly love has grown.
(Spoiler: When Keith finds his mom she is stunned at first. Keith looks so much like his father just a petite, younger version. She sees the blade and it clicks instantly. Keith is her child, her son. She never brings up that she was expecting to see a daughter she just accepts.)
