I joined the Society some twelve months after its birth, back in the 70s. I had been a cross dresser from an early age - I can remember putting a dress on at the age of six and I was hooked. When I found the Beaumont Society it was the answer to a prayer at last a way of meeting like minded souls. That reason still holds good today, despite the undoubtedly more liberal attitudes of society today, isolation is still a very real problem for the transgendered.

I became Membership Secretary in 1986, shortly after the records had been computerized, and as someone with no knowledge of computing embarked on a learning curve that still continues.

I was born and brought up in Norfolk, a couple of years after April Ashley; regrettably I do not have her glamour and style. For the last thirty years have lived in South Wales. I am now retired and able to spend a large part of my life in my preferred gender role.

Paula