"I am now 73 years of age and with my therapist's invaluable help and support I have been living my best life as Tanya for 8 years."

My mental health struggles

Growing up as Trevor in the 1950s with gender dysphoria, I struggled with my mental health which manifested itself into long term stammering and anxiety which persisted for decades. I reached a crisis point at 65 years of age having hidden my gender dysphoria for all of that time.

I decided to seek out therapeutic help to cope with my overwhelming struggle with depression and anxiety. I contacted a local mental health counsellor and within 5 minutes of meeting her, she made me feel confident enough, for the first time ever, to come out to her as transfemale.  I continued my therapy with her for 10 weeks with occasional top up sessions for a further year. 

Living as Tanya

I am now 73 years of age and with my therapist's invaluable help and support I have been living my best life as Tanya for 8 years. Part of my journey includes volunteering for my local theatre where I am able to promote a very positive transgender presentation and I have been accepted by everyone who attends productions and all of my fellow volunteers. It has increased my confidence enormously and I do not stammer anymore. 

I have also delivered many talks to different groups of people, telling my story to inform and change hearts and minds where needed so that other transgender people do not face negative reactions.

I am also part of the Tunbridge Wells and Crowborough Rock and being part of a choir provides a great deal of emotional wellbeing to our members. Because mental health issues are close to my heart, I am currently fundraising for Mental Health Resource, as I offer refreshments during the choir rehearsals. So far, I have been able to raise £600!

I owe everything that I am today, to my amazing mental health counsellor's perception, empathy and professional skills. 

Donate to my fundraising page