"I'd be Trans"

"I know if I was born in this current generation, I'd think I was trans and no doubt go down that pathway, and if I did; there's no way I'd have my beautiful children or ever accept the amazing woman that I've come to be" - Maz, 45

                              

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"In my teens, I had my hair cut short for a while and I used to wear overalls; it felt so liberating, people spoke to me like I was a guy and men didn't stare me up and down like they did to my friends. I know if I was that teenager today I'd think I was trans, just to get away from the stares of men, so I understand the allure of it; when you're struggling with your body changing and people looking at you differently. But that's the road we've all had to walk down to come to a place of accepting ourselves for the women that we are". - Jen 59

                                

 

"I grew up in the church. I was a different kind of girl, I wasn't into fashion, make up, dolls and dresses. Sometimes I even got a kick out of wearing my brother's clothes around the house and at times I even felt more comfortable wearing boys clothes than girls clothing. I was badly bullied, I struggled making friends and found to my dismay that I was attracted to women. Looking back I think I'm a polymath, I put my hand to many things and can achieve so much! I have gifts and talents within many of the creative arts disciplines like, singing, drama, playwriting, drawing, painting, sculpturing and am a performer and big thinker. Because I do things differently and seem to see the world in a different way to most I've often felt alone. 

I struggled all through school, because I felt so different. I didn't like that I was attracted to women and actually got married to a man and had two wonderful boys. Of course my marriage didn't work, I was too ambitious, I wanted a career, not to be stuck at home looking after children, taking care of a man and cleaning a house. I wanted more in life, I wanted to find a safe way to be with women, to be a lesbian without the criticism of my family and the church. 

When my marriage folded I quickly immersed myself into the gay community, to the shock and dismay of my family and friends, and I became as much a part of the gay community as I had up until then, been in church. I became a drag king and parody performer at drag events, I was in a lesbian band and I exhibited paintings at pride events. I've managed to feel comfortable in my own skin, proud of the woman and mother that I am, whole and happy and truly amazed at all that I've now achieved.

I've no doubt that if I was born in this generation I'd definitely think I was trans, I'd put being different down to the fact that I was born in the wrong body, I'd never realise my own potential and feel that sense of accomplishment and self acceptance that I now do! - Annie 46