If you've ever wondered what it's like to be transgender in high school, 17-year-old Casey can give you a little insight.

Casey identifies as a pre-op FTM transgender teen. What that means is that he was born into a female body but didn't feel his body matched his male gender identity.

The term FTM stands for female to male. (MTF, on the other hand, stands for male to female. That term is used by some women born into male bodies).

Pre-op (or pre-operation) refers to the fact that Casey hasn't had any surgery to alter his body.

For the past year Casey has been posting YouTube videos about everything from the reactions of his Jewish youth group, to his feelings about his body, and what it's like when someone close to him tells him he will never really be a man.

Below he shares his thoughts on topics like the benefits of public school and what can really make his day.

What inspired you to post videos about your experiences?

What inspired me was my pain. I knew I hurt, and I knew I wasn't the only one hurting. But there are people out there, who hurt and do not realize that they aren't alone. There are trans kids like me who don't fall under the classical stereotypes, and I wanted them all to know it's ok.

Has your family been supportive?

Not quite....They're rather me dress my gender, and date the opposite sex.

In your most recent video you ask for submissions from other teens. Have you gotten any responses?

Oh yes, tons.

I'll be making a video out of most of the responses that I've gotten.

What do you think has been the most challenging thing about coming out as trans in high school?

The most challenging thing would be that everyone has seen me as a girl for so many years, and now they just don't want to change their point of view. I'm still called by my female name, and my friends still refer to me as a she.

The most rewarding?

The most rewarding is that I get to dress and act how I like and no one can stop me. I go to a public high school so discrimination is a no no.

The best is when people who do not know me think that I am a male. It makes my day.

Got any advice for other teens who are FTM or MTF?

Don't let others get to you. If you know who you are, that's all you need. No one can steal what's in your mind and soul. Call yourself the gender you know you truly are. Don't be ashamed of it. If you're ashamed of it, people will see through it and point it out as a weakness. Be strong and keep your chin up. Its your life, and your body. Do what feels right.

Anything else you think we should know?

If you're religious, know one thing: God will forgive you. God doesn't punish people for correcting God's mistakes.

To hear more from Casey, you can watch some of his videos.