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A TRANSGENDER woman who spent decades living unhappily as a man is hoping that her role in an exhibition will inspire others.
Beth Seymour has been photographed for the Living My Life exhibition, which arrives in Derby on Monday.

Transgender woman Beth Seymour (left) was photographed with her wife, Jasmine Seymour (top), and flatmate Julie Goodall (above centre, with Jasmine and Beth). All three women are trans and took part in the exhibition to raise awareness of issues affecting them.

It features pictures of people who are "trans" – a term which includes transvestites, who dress as the opposite sex, transsexuals, who have used hormones or surgery to change their sex and transgender people, who feel their given sex does not match their identity.Alongside the photographs is information for other trans people, ranging from where to get support to what is involved in surgery.After spending most of her life struggling with her identity, Beth is pictured in the exhibition with a contented smile on her face.The 56-year-old, of Derby, said she had been feeling good about herself since taking the step to live full-time as a woman in 2007.She said she first realised she wanted to change sex at the age of seven.
"The aim of the exhibition is to show that we're positive about how we feel," she said.
"And I feel good, everything has fallen into place.
"I was struggling very badly with depression, anxiety and panic attacks but I don't have any of that any more."Beth has been married and divorced, fought a drink problem and experienced family difficulties as a result of her identity confusion.Her earliest memory of it was seeing female impersonator Danny La Rue on television when she was seven and thinking "that's what I'd like to be".She said: "Back in those days, it wasn't mentioned, there wasn't any support and I thought I was barmy."
Beth quit drinking once and for all in 2007 and within just three months, she was living full-time as a woman.She said: "My dad hated it but my mum, sisters and cousins have been brilliant. My mum said it was about time."
Beth was invited to take part in the exhibition by a friend.
It was organised by the NHS in Sheffield to launch a booklet for trans people.
She went to the city to be photographed along with her wife, Jasmine Seymour, and her flatmate, Julie Goodall, who are both also trans.
The exhibition went on display in Sheffield last February before touring the country.On Monday, it will arrive at the base of charity Derbyshire Friend, in Friary Street, where Beth works as a mentor for trans people.
The exhibition will be on display there until Friday, January 27, and will then be at The University of Derby's Markeaton Street campus from February 6 to 24.
2 Comments
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by NHS_employee
Friday, January 06 2012, 9:07PM
“I'm delighted that after surmounting many obstacles, Beth has found happiness. And congratulations to the Telegraph for reporting this story in a refreshingly non-judgemental fashion.”
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by cazza1965
Friday, January 06 2012, 9:37AM
“Well done ladies!!!! You all look so happy and its great that you are living your lives and being true to yourselves. I hope that your photos and positive attitudes give hope to other people struggling with their gender. Keep up the good work because you really do make a difference. Much love to all three of you xxxx”