Dear Readers,
Today you are privileged to meet a lady who has taken a significant step on her journey to live her authentic self. This step takes tremendous courage, courage that Debra Anne has shown in her struggle. Please read Debra Anne’s story, and share some words of encouragement and love in the comments below
Debra Anne Embraces Her Authentic Self
Since the first of May 2015 I have lived full time as Debra Anne.
I knew since the age of 8 or 9 that I didn’t feel right in my body, but I didn’t understand why. When I was ten I found a pair of my mums knickers in my room and I just felt the urge to put them on. Since then I started to wear them at every opportunity I got. Before long I was dressing in my stepsisters clothes or my mums clothes.
That was forty years ago.
Throughout my teens I continued to explore my feminine side. I dressed and tried makeup. All the time I felt like I was the only person who did this (Ed: The Internet has been such a blessing for transgender people everywhere!).
Then I met someone – I fell in love, got married and had kids. My dressing became even more secretive. Two years ago I had a breakdown, my marriage ended and I started counseling to deal with it. I finally admitted my true feelings and began the hard job of telling my friends and family. This has been met with mixed responses and led to a few suicide attempts. I even got to point of putting noose around my neck but thoughts of my grand kids stopped me.
I started the process of to get my referral to the Gender Identity Clinic, changed my name by deed poll and applied for my driver’s license in my female name. Since living as the real me I have started to make steady headway in my recovery. I feel happier, more confident and the reactions of those who’ve met me as Debra have been amazing.
These may seem only small successes to some but to me they are huge steps. I couldn’t have done it though without the support of friends new and old.
—
If you are depressed and considering harming yourself please reach out to get help, you can find your local suicide hotline and support online at organizations dedicated to the transgender community. Laura’s Playground runs a chatroom dedicated to helping those in our community through their darkest hours.
More Articles by Vanessa Law
- 7 Essential Tips to Crossdressing
- Win a Free Makeup Prize Bundle from Jecca Blac
- A Few Changes in Our Family
- I Want to Live Like That
- Hope in Despair, Light through the Darkness
Debra Anne’s story is certainly typical but doesn’t it also serve to point out that “cross dressing" is really a misnomer. Don’t most of us want to be women so why not call it what it is?
Emily I think that many do, but just as many are happy living as a women on the weekends. For most who transition the time crossdressing was spent figuring out who they are, so it’s rare you’ll see someone just transition out of the blue.
I do think that there are many more who would transition if they had the means (money, family support, work support, …), but even then I don’t think all would.
Hi Debra Anne thankyou for shearing your story. I so glad you found the true woman you were meant to be.You are such a lovely lady, I hope when it comes to it your transitioning goes well
Hugs Tammy x
Thank you I have always known the true woman I should have been but letting her come forth and be free has been the happiest and hardest thing I’ve done x
I love success stories like this. Wish you the best Debra Anne.
Thank you but I have only made small steps in a very long journey xx
Such a beautiful and BRAVE!!! step you have taken Debra Anne!! .Much love and respect i give you for finally being YOUR TRUE SELF!
Thank you for your kind words I don’t feel brave. I feel scared excited and most of all relieved that I have been truthful about my real feelings xx
yes miss clark this is paula feeback <<<< as my femme name and like u i am kind of scared to b dessing as a lady and when i go to shop 4 women's apperal i go at night so no one can c me i hope u or would now of some one to help me fully understand on who i am and i am also looking to meet friends in the crossdressing world and by this reply HOPE i found one
Looking good, out and about in the fresh air. Debra you are so brave to be moving on with your life. Love xx
Where do you live I am in Dorset but if you want to meet more girls you could set up a Facebook account for Paula and I can friend you and you can hopefully find you some one to help you like they helped me but I am sure we can be friends cause us girls have to stick together xx
I’d also encourage folks to take a look at local support groups – I’ve got some listings here – local transgender support groups
If you find one nearby that I haven’t listed please let me know!
You deserve a big hand Way to go Girl
Thank you all for the kind words of support and encouragement. My journey is nothing special it is one many girls have travelled before me. It is their stories of success and despair are what gave me the courage to do the same xx
Way to bloom Debra Anne! Thanks for sharing your story with us. You show through courage such as your own we to can live as we are inside.
Vanessa: When are you going to place a regular sign in tab on Crossdresser heaven?
Hey hon, you should see one in the top left if you’re not logged in. If you are logged in you’ll see links to your news feed.