I transitioned in 1977, surgery almost exactly 30 years ago at the time of the first London Marathon. I never in all that time questioned the effort or the fear. It was just too exciting, too liberating from the awfulness of being male. The joy of makeup, nice clothes at last, having a door held open for one, people adopting a more gentle tone towards you. Being a woman is hard work, even for those born female. Men just don't bother and let themselves go to seed. Part of being a woman is making the best of oneself at whatever age. Hair is always a problem, shaving legs, under arms, waxing arms and many women do wax their facial hair. Nails have to be done, skin cleaned, body scrubbed, hair styled and kept clean and in order. You will find your own style and it will become routine. I smile every time I make my face up, just adore the face that looks back from the mirror, not out of vanity, but because I am still alive, and female, whereas if I had remained male I do not think I would have survived.
