NOT only has Leominster town Councillor Peter Ellis written a book with a pre-op transsexual main character, he has bravely come out as transgender himself - read the full story here.

I say ‘bravely’ because I believe it is a very brave thing to do. Even in 2013 not everyone accepts those who are different - whether it be because of a persons’ ethnicity or skin colour, sexuality or dress sense. Peter probably knows he will open himself up now to small-minded, ignorant comments and stares in the street, but it is most important to be yourself.

Someone who knows how hard it can be to be yourself better than most is my cousin Dani Gormley, formerly Darren Gormley.

This is Dani's story:

“As with many other people suffering with Gender Dysphoria, these feelings have been around since as far back as I can remember. My earliest memory is of being confused as to why my mother wasn't dressing me like all the other girls.

“As time went on I found myself wanting to play with girls’ toys but would never ask my parents for these things, as even at this young age I felt ashamed of myself.

“I remember going to bed one night around the age of eight and seeing a shooting star out of my window. I wished it would correct me and make me into a beautiful girl, but on inspection in the mirror the next day I actually burst into tears when I realised the stupid star failed to do its job!

“In my teens I still kept these thoughts and feelings secret. The internet was pretty much unheard of in peoples’ homes back then so I was completely unaware there were other people like me. It felt overwhelmingly lonely.

“I had previously kept a diary documenting my feelings, and when I was 15 my parents found it and really struggled to come to terms with what they had found out. The condition was fairly unheard of around this time. Despite the difficulty of accepting the situation, my mom and step-dad said they would support me as much as I needed. However, I grew even more ashamed of myself for hurting them.

“A few years went by and I purposely went on a mission to "man up". I had various girlfriends and decided to join the Army at the age of 17.

“When I was 18 the feelings came rushing back. My girlfriend at the time was supportive and escorted me on various outings as Alicia, the name I chose for myself. I felt complete, but still a part of me felt dirty, like I was doing something I shouldn't be doing.

“At 21 I was diagnosed by an army psychiatrist as having Gender Dysphoria. The psychiatrist at the time felt my safety could be at risk in such a masculine environment and gave me the option to leave, which I accepted.

“By this time the Internet was much more widespread and I signed up to many forums with people like me, which made me realise I wasn't alone. But it wasn’t until I was 28 that I decided finally not to hide anymore.

“I was referred to the specialist clinic in London, Charring Cross, and started to tell all my friends, and each of them was 100 per cent supportive.

“With my new name, Danielle, I have been on hormone treatment for around three-and-a-half months now. I dress full-time as a female, or at least when I can be bothered to put make-up on. I drive busses and the company I work for have been incredibly supportive of my needs and have declared that they will protect me from any harassment in the work place.

“After all these years, I no longer feel ashamed of who I am. I don't regret putting it off as I've seen and done things as a guy that I never would have as a girl. My parents are slowly coming to terms with everything and are being incredibly supportive.

“The last thing I can say is if you feel this way, stop hiding it and be true to yourself. If I said it had been easy I'd be lying and it has been very hard in places. But each fall is worth it for the journey.”

For more information or support, visit http://gendertrust.org.uk.