East Midlands

Debbie has taken the brave step to talk about her life so far in the hope it will help people understand what she calls 'a serious medical condition'.  

Debbie was born 'Richard Davies' in 1966 and from an early age knew she was different.

Richard: wanted to be a girl

As an adult, when he decided to to reveal 'Debbie' as his new identity, his relatives and friends found it hard to accept.

Depressed, jobless and abandoned by friends Debbie attempted suicide.

She then decided to return to being Richard.

Over the next decade, life continued as a man but at Christmas 2006 the decision was finally made - life had to change, and this time it would be for good.

Debbie's been through psychological support to make sure she's suitable for surgery.

She agreed to share part of her diary with Inside Out and offers advice to others who may be growing up with the same dilemma:

Debbie Joanne Davies

Debbie's diary...

Monday 8 October 2007 - The day that I never dreamed I would see. The first day of the rest of my life -  I AM NOW NO LONGER RICHARD... I'M DEBBIE JOANNE DAVIES.

I set off and got to the office just before 7am, unlocked and walked in and just stood there and soaked in the moment.

I was there, I was alive, and most important of all I was comfortable with myself. 

It was vital that I remembered this moment. After all, it took me seven years to be where I am now.

What will I be doing today?

Nothing I wouldn't have done last Monday.   

I have an appointment at the dentist, and I need to nip to the bank to pay in some money.

And on the way home I'll pop to the shops for my tea. And that's what this has all been about, all this planning, hard work and the sacrifice.

It's all been to ensure that my life is nothing other than 'normal'.   

Debbie writes...

That was then. 

When I look back I shudder at how much my life has changed since I stopped living as a man.   

It took the best part of two years planning and careful thought leading up to 8 October 2007. 

An ordinary, yet far from ordinary day in my life.  

Richard: two years planning the change

Life is now working for me because I took my time and thought about the impact on the others. 

The change from Richard to Debbie was difficult for me, however it was also incredibly tough for my mum, dad, friends and family. 

While many of them stuck by me, others distanced themselves from 'Debbie'. 

A sad fact I had to accept.    

So, for anyone who thinks they are transsexual and would like to take the same journey as me, my only advice to you is this.

• It will be difficult and you will lose family and friends along the way. Accept that and move on.
• Be gentle with the people around you. Not everyone will be accepting of your change. Don’t force them to accept you.  They may come back in time.
• Give things time. You cannot change yourself so much in a few days. It’s not a race.
• And most important, never give up on life, no matter how bad it gets things can always change and mistakes can be fixed, but only if you are alive.

Debbie has also suggested a number of support groups which may be helpful to people in her situation: