The staff in the local beauty salon have always treated me as a female from my first appointment.

Again we chat about life in general.

My hairdresser, who calls at the house, has got me out of wearing my wig.

The greatest help of all comes from work colleagues both male and female who remember me as Alan and now know me as Alina.

The support I get from them is second to none.

Regularly chatting with females at the local pub and rugby club helps because I’m dealing with girly matters.

Living as a female, cooking and cleaning, looking after the house and home, all help me develop life as Alina.