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I'm Suzanne (Suzi) James, and I currently live in Borehamwood, Hertfordshire, England - having moved from London's Docklands in December 2006 - with my partner Stephanie. I first announced myself to the Internet world on 20th Oct 97, and I'm still tinkering with this site when I get the time...which hasn't been very much for the past few years. Now that I have broadband, a wireless router, and a nice shiny Powerbook, I may start some serious update of the pages - getting a bit tatty and well-thumbed (ahem, that's the 'book', not me!) The original idea was that my life here on the Internet is an open book, and I invite you all to read about it. Many transgendered people see their lives as a journey, and one travelled mostly in private - hence the 'book's' sub-title, 'a secret journey'. Certainly for me this had been true apart from family, a few close friends, and of course my transgendered friends. My feelings, thoughts, and self-image as I grew up were strongly felt to be 'female' - a classic case of 'gender identity disorder' (transsexualism), arising through conflict between biological and social factors. Looking back, this had meant coping with my gender confusion, and several years of hormone treatment and consultancy. In this 'book' you can read all about the key events that led to my femme side blossoming. Through sharing my experiences I hope that my story can help others come to terms with similar feelings, or provide insight for the curious. To summarise my transition, 2000 turned out to be my year of dramatic change. Already known as Suzi to some colleagues and friends at the beginning of the year, during January 2000 I officially advised my employers of my intention to transition full-time from April 2000. Have a look at some of the emails I received from colleagues. I took the first two weeks of April 2000 off - including trips to New York (shopping!) and Rome - returning to work as Suzanne James on 17th April. I legally changed my name back in February 2000. During the subsequent year, all I can say is that I felt as though I had been through some kind of re-birth, experiencing life from a whole new, exciting perspective. Of course I wouldn't have achieved that without the support and understanding of family, friends and colleagues. I have not had any bad experiences. In February 2001 I got the go-ahead for Gender/Sex Reassignment Surgery, which I went through on the 27th June 2001 - including some Facial Feminisation Surgery. This all took place in Thailand, where I stayed for almost 4 weeks. I kept a diary in relation to transition issues up to, and including my surgery. Since returning to work in September 2001, my life has been something of a roller-coaster ride: promotion at work, buying my apartment in London, new relationships and changes to old ones, meeting the woman who was to become my partner, travelling the world, clubbing, playing in bands, taking up karate, learning to ride motorcycle and passing my test, learning Thai, and so much more planned.....life for me has never been so richly rewarding. Suzi James
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