MISSION accomplished

Scribbling my name down, I felt proud.

‘Welcome to the Army,’ the recruiter smiled, reaching out to shake my hand.

It was 1985, and at 17 years old, I’d always been interested in the Military.

Both my grandfathers had served during WWII, one in the Royal Artillery and the other in the RAF.

It wasn’t long before I was enlisted into the Royal Regiment Of Fusiliers, an infantry regiment, and my parents were so proud.

Joining the Army must have been the most masculine path I could have taken – but while I was excited about my future, I was also hiding a secret, denying who I really was…

During the day, I’d be wearing combats and camouflage, but deep inside, I really wanted to be wearing silky tops, flowing skirts, jewellery and makeup.

I’d known I was different ever since I was a child.

Aged five, I’d stomped