'It was like suddenly taking the brakes off'

[Hazumu]

Cassandra Jardine talks to transsexual Kate Craig-Wood, businesswoman and campaigner on transgender issues

As Kate Craig-Wood bends to grab something from the office photocopier, she waves one wedge-heeled foot in the air. It's a feminine gesture that matches her expressive way of talking while waving her arms about so that her bracelet jangles. If I didn't know that four years ago she was Robert, a married man, I would never have guessed.

"It's funny," she says, "I didn't have to try to behave in a more feminine way after I transitioned. It was like suddenly taking the brakes off. I could speak and move in a way that felt natural."

[Syne]

"I didn't have to try to behave in a more feminine way after I transitioned. It was like suddenly taking the brakes off. I could speak and move in a way that felt natural."

Absolutely can relate. It frustrates me when I have other T folks ask me where I learned to move so naturally. I mean just because some T folks have to learn how to move differently and all does not mean all of us had to or even tried. Plus it was not all sunshine and brass bands while trying to do guy when you have femme mannerisms. I learned to hide most of them but every so often one would sneak out.

[Miniar]

Just being "out" to my nearest people has allowed me to relax. I realize I'm not "pretending" as much..