Rebecca Mason's Profile

My name is Rebecca; and I'm a post op Ts in my 30's. It is my official name and as of next year it will be the one my birth certificate! I am not happy at all being called a Tranny or a Drag Queen. In fact anyone who dares wouldn't see sunlight of the next day! I had a breakdown in the mid nineties which lead me to transition and beyond; and had a marriage that ended amicably thank God!. 

What is your name and what is your background?

My name is Rebecca, and I'm a post op Ts in my 30's.

Is your name an alter ego? femme name, why did you choose that name?

Nope it's my official name and as of next year it will be the one my birth certificate! It was chose very carefully; I wanted something that felt like me; that I could identify with. I wanted something traditional (Kylie was NOT for me!) and also something that had several derivatives; so I'm Rebecca formally, Becca on the Tranny scene and Becs to my friends.

How old are you and how young were you when you first thought about or actually cross-dressed?

I refuse to answer the first part of that question! There are photos of me aged around 3 playing around with a girls dressing up box that belonged to a female friend, but I have memories of wanting to be female from the age of about five.

Where do you buy your clothes?

High St, Next, Wallis, Dorothy Perkins.

What leads you to choose the styles you wear?

Fashion and whether they'd suit me. I always try before I buy because I have a wardrobe full of expensive mistakes!.

Do you have one look, or many images?

Hmm tricky. Just like any other female I range from baggy top and jeans through to glamorous evening wear. Depends on my mood, depends on the situation.

Is make-up and hair important to you and if so how do you achieve your look?

Most of the time. If I'm bumming around at home then a pony tail and no make up is okay- but not if I'm working!.

To what degree do you practice hair removal, and other body feminisation?

Totally!.

Who knows you dress?

Well I don't 'dress' in the tranny context- I just wear clothes. 

How often do you dress and if you go out where to?

Everywhere - see above.  

So what is a man and what is a woman?

Labels created by society to generalise roles for each gender, which is entirely different to the biology of the situation.

What's your definition of feminine?

The stereotypical gender role and appearance typically associated with females.

Where do you feel you fit on the transgender spectrum CD TV TS?

TS.

Are you happy to be called a Tranny?

No I'm not happy at all. In fact anyone who dares wouldn't see sunlight of the next day!.

To what degree do you feel gender dysphoric?

Been there, seen it, done it.

What individual has inspired you most in relation to your TG inclinations?

Hmm trickey this one. I think there are Icons that I had when I was a child that I wanted to be like (Joanne Lumley in Sapphire and Steel springs to mind), then the were the TS women who came to the fore in the early eighties (Caroline 'Tula' Cossey springs to mind) and finally there were those friends who took me by the hand and lead me through this minefield to the other side.

Do you feel that you have any choice in your TG thoughts and actions?

No. This was inevitable as sure as night follows day. But I did have choices in how I dealt with it- and I made some wrong ones.

Have you ever suffered harassment or abuse?

No not really. Thank God!. 

Have you tried to stop?

I tried denial I tried the Transvestite compromise. Neither worked. (I'd like to stress the use of the word compromise is not used to denigrate TV's- if you're happy trannies then I wish you all the best- it's just that for me personally being a TV was an unhappy experience).

Are your sexual preferences changed by your TG experiences (even temporarily)?

I think I've begun to realise my sexual potential. I was very repressed and inhibited before. 

Have you suffered illness, depression, relationship break ups because of being TG?

Had a breakdown in the mid nineties which lead me to transition and beyond; and had a marriage that ended amicably thank God!

If you could relive your life without the TG experience would you?

Another tricky one. You see these experiences have defined me and made me the person that I am; to deny these experiences would mean that I be virtually denying my own existence. But that said I would have preferred to have been born with the right bits!.

Do you feel that releasing your gender gift Has released creativity, that may otherwise have remained repressed?

Hmm does my creativity stem form being TG. I'd have to say no - it's just a gift that I have. Some people can run marathon, others can paint tremendous works of art; I can string a few words together in a sentence and make it sound better than average.

Have you ever performed and if so how did you get into performing and what have you done?

Yes I have - but not in any TG capacity. I study English and Drama at college- so obviously I spent a lot of time on Stage.

What outstanding TG experiences stand out in your mind?

Each day brings a new one.

What one piece of advice would you give to someone that has just found they are not the only tranny in the world?

'Be who you want to be and not what others would have you be'. 

Email: Bekka_mason@hotmail.com

Photos by: Bob Mace; location a doorway in Southampton; styling -me!