trans jonah magnus is so real to Me… a lot of his traits could be partially ascribed to his experience as a 19th century trans person
it would create a separation between him and his body, make him a guest in his own flesh, form a “my body is not my own” sentiment that would last for 200+ years (even if for different reasons). it would force him to create himself, and to fight for recognition. it would form the “it’s not in your blood, or your soul, or your destiny” belief (he wouldn’t believe in biological determinism at least, which is a solid argument, i think). it would make him afraid of being outed, and thus afraid of being truly known, and yet make him long for someone who would understand
i have two opposite headcanons on jonah’s name:
1. magnus is a family name. jonah changed only his first name and reclaimed his last by founding an institute in his name
2. jonah magnus is a fully made up name, that he immortalised, again, through his institute
in both cases i see his institute as a way to claim the name. honestly, the institute is probably one of the most important things in his life. not only it’s a life-long passion project, it’s also a continuation of himself (he’s a self-described “beating heart of the institute”), so!! i believe he has a soft spot for it and everything it represents