History

Mine is a familiar story in that I started to dress in my mother's clothes when I was around ten years old. There is, however one very significant memory from when I was just six years old and on holiday with my parents in Scotland. We were staying in an hotel and there was this other family with two boys of my older brother's and my ages. They had proper little highland kilts and when I saw them in these, I just knew that I had to try one on. This was accomplished one afternoon when everyone was on the beach and I sneaked up to their room and tried on the smaller kilt. I remember getting such a thrill from the experience. I now have my own hand made kilt of my clan and I still get a thrill wearing it on special occasions in my male guise. Mind you, it is made from nine yards of material and is very heavy compared to my little mini kilt from the sixties!

I was a typical closet tranny and it wasn't until 1985 that I made contact with someone from that other planet. His name was Ron Storme and I owe so much to Ron for his patience and the time he gave me. Typical Ron. He made me up for the first time and introduced me to Tudor Lodge. I managed to get along once a month in those days but am blessed with a wonderfully understanding wife who has allowed me so much time to grow and get out and about almost as much as I want now.

To live and let live. This is across the spectrum and not just a TG thing. I don't go banging the TG drum but as many know, I have been quietly supporting the cause and talk to people all around the world, when the opportunity arises, about our lives and acceptance in the community. It's hard enough accepting and being comfortable with oneself without encountering the prejudice of others!

I could make up a whole load of lies but the truth is I have a mass of interests. I ran my own insurance broking company for twenty years and am now working as a part time consultant to the company to whom I sold. I also have a photographic studio in Kingston upon Thames, South London, where I have been photographing TV's/TS's along with the world's top glamour models of the early 90's. I have also been lucky enough to travel over the last three years and this has allowed me to photograph the TG scene in several countries around the world. I enjoy most sports and keep fit and slim through competitive squash. I think sometimes that my sport gives me too much muscular definition but hey! girls have muscles! I love to watch dance and enjoy dancing. Classical music (especially sacred choral) is my favourite but hotly followed by jazz, blues, soul, rock and club dance music of most varieties. Living in London, I tend to indulge in the amazing choice of culture and it doesn't have to cost a fortune. Did you know you can get a fifth row seat (row D) in The National Theatre for £10? I cant wait to get my bus pass!

Since 1985 I have made many friends as Nikki and not just in the TG world. I never cease to be amazed at the receptiveness of the majority of people I meet off the scene and it is very seldom that I come across outright hostility or scorn. I do believe that today society is more prepared to accept transgendered people and this has much to do with those ambassadors who front up our countrywide societies, appear on television, arrange public events-such as Pride, Mardi Gras and Richard O'brien's coming Tran????????? in Manchester. All these people and also those who day to day live their lives in society, make for far more public awareness and acceptance. For my part, I am happy to be an occasional TV, dressing on average, twice a week to go out usually to specific events