We first heard from Cesar back in January 2023, when he shared his journey in “Sharing My Klinefelter Diagnosis Worldwide.” Now 28 and living in Hollister, California, Cesar continues to embrace what makes him unique—including his XXY diagnosis.

Working as an electrician in construction, Cesar is driven, focused, and proud of who he’s become. His journey hasn’t been easy, but it’s shaped him into the man he is today. “Having XXY is part of my greatness.”

Growing Up: “I Felt Like Something Was Missing”

Cesar’s early childhood was pretty average. He had friends, did well in elementary school, and helped with his family’s party rental business on weekends. It wasn’t until middle school that he began noticing differences.

As his peers began to develop physically, Cesar felt left behind. He grew taller, but not stronger or heavier. His self-esteem took a hit, especially with how outspoken teenagers can be about appearance. “I watched other boys develop—and I didn’t. That really stuck with me.”

Cesar raised concerns to his doctor, a general practitioner who was new to the field. Though kind, she missed the early signs of Klinefelter Syndrome—a diagnosis many others receive much earlier. Despite frequent exams, no one could explain why Cesar was different. “I felt stuck and left behind.”

By high school, Cesar’s grades dropped, and emotional challenges peaked. He joined soccer to find a sense of belonging, but the physical differences became even more apparent. He trained harder than most of his teammates, but still lacked endurance and muscle mass. Mass gainers, protein shakes—nothing seemed to help. He also started noticing that his younger brother and friends were developing facial hair before he did. People often assumed his brother was older.

Navigating Relationships

Socially, Cesar has always been outgoing and good at making friends. But romantic relationships proved more challenging. He dated for the first time at 20 but found himself filled with anxiety and doubt. Sometimes he wasn’t sure if he even wanted to be in a relationship, which led to breakups and regret. “It was like my brain was missing something when it came to decision-making in relationships.”

Getting Diagnosed: A Twist of Fate

At 21, Cesar applied to join the Air Force. He passed every test—until the physical exam, when the doctor noted his small testicles. He was temporarily disqualified and referred to a urologist. Bloodwork revealed elevated FSH and LH levels—four times the normal range. Next came an MRI of his pituitary gland, which came back normal. When doctors checked his testosterone levels, they were as low as that of an 80-year-old man. A karyotype test finally gave him an answer: Cesar had 47 chromosomes—a diagnosis of Klinefelter Syndrome (XXY). He wasn’t allowed to join the military since testosterone is a controlled substance, and its use disqualified him. At first, this felt like a loss—but in hindsight, it became a powerful turning point in his life. “It completely transformed everything for me. It changed my whole outlook.”

Living Authentically with XXY

Cesar began sharing his diagnosis with family and friends. It became a way for him to feel authentic in relationships. “I have to tell them; otherwise, I feel like I’m not being myself.” Most people are surprised when they find out—because, as Cesar puts it, Klinefelter isn’t always visible. But for Cesar, it’s such a major part of his life that he doesn’t shy away from talking about it.

Starting Testosterone: “I Finally Met the Man I Wanted to Be”

Cesar began testosterone therapy using a gel, which was effective but inconvenient. It was expensive, time-consuming, and didn’t deliver the dose he needed. He later switched to injections—and everything changed. The soreness took some getting used to, but it was worth it. His energy increased, his focus returned, and his muscle mass finally began to build. “I probably wouldn’t have been able to do this interview if I wasn’t taking testosterone.” Now, Cesar leads a disciplined lifestyle. He’s into bodybuilding, eats clean, practices breathwork, and even embraces cold showers. He’s learned to take care of both body and mind.

Ongoing Challenges

One of Cesar’s biggest challenges is talking about puberty. It’s hard to relate to what other men experienced growing up, which sometimes makes him feel isolated. “If I had started testosterone at 16, I would look much more developed now.” He’s also often asked about having children—a topic that hits differently. While he wasn’t planning to have kids, the assumption that he could, and then learning he likely can’t, is still painful. “It’s annoying how much the topic of children comes up. And when I say I probably can’t, I get the sad eyes.” Access to proper medical care was another obstacle. It took multiple doctors to find someone who truly listened and treated him like an individual, not just a patient on testosterone. “My current doctor actually cares. He asks about my emotional and physical well-being. He makes me feel good.”

What Cesar Wants Others to Know

Cesar is honest about how overwhelming a diagnosis can be at first—but also how transformative it can be. “We live in a time with treatment options. It might take some trial and error, but if you’re open to it, your life will improve.” For parents of kids with a new XXY diagnosis, Cesar offers reassurance: “Your child is still just a regular kid. They just have an extra chromosome. It makes them different—but it can also make them exceptional.” Cesar encourages families to be curious, advocate for testing if something doesn’t feel right, and find doctors who take time and care.

Proudly XXY

Cesar is proud of who he is—including his extra chromosome. “The extra X chromosome is like being an X-Man.” He wants to be an example of what’s possible and show the world what people with genetic conditions can achieve. Yes, it might take a little extra work—but the potential is absolutely there. “I want to show the world what someone with a genetic condition can achieve. You might have to work a little harder, but it’s possible.”

Want more stories like Cesar’s? Visit Living With XXY to connect with others, explore real experiences, and learn how people with XXY are thriving across the globe.