I knew from the age seven that I was a girl but when I told my parents they laughed it off, they just thought I was gay! At fourteen I finally made my move to transition; I just started dressing as a girl, as far as I was concerned I was a girl. I dropped out of school at twelve because of bullying and attended a referral unit, but that was even more brutal. From twelve to fourteen I was unschooled till they sent me to stay with an aunt in Margate where I had to play ‘straight’, which was soul destroying. Back then you couldn’t start testosterone blockers and oestregen treatment till you were eighteen and I was twenty-one before I could eventually start hormone therapy.
Mum and Dad have been very supportive and chilled about my identity but I have a troubled relationship one of my brothers. A few weeks ago we had a horrible fight and I was kicked out. I was street homeless for a week and it was really scary. People offered me drugs, they offered me a roof over my head in return for sex; it was terrifying!
When The Albert Kennedy Trust referred me to SFTS I was pretty anxious but as soon as I arrived I was made really welcome, everyone is relaxed and kind; I feel safe now. I don’t want to leave in the mornings because who knows what’s going to happen on the street?
The shelter is helping me look for work and accommodation and I’m trying to finish my Music and Performance course at college. I’m determined to fulfil my dream of becoming a music teacher; it may take a bit of time, but I know I’ll get there in the end.