Patricia Davies decided there is no time like the present to live out your dreams.
A World War II veteran living in Leicestershire, England has come out to the world as a woman.
Although The New York Post reports that Patricia Davies knew that she was a woman ever since she was a toddler, Davies only began transitioning now at the age of 90.
Davies kept her identity secret for such a long time because she was scared of the repercussions that would befall her if she told the truth. For example, she wouldn’t have been able to serve in the army and could have possibly been forced to endure electric shock treatment.
“The atmosphere [around being transgender] was not safe. People did not understand what transgender was,” Davies said, according to The New York Post. “I’ve known I was transgender since I was three years old. I knew a girl called Patricia, and I decided I wanted to be known by that name but it didn’t stick.”
While Davies’ wife was very supportive when the truth came gushing out one night 30 years ago, Davies only recently started taking estrogen.
“I was 60 when it all came pouring out to my wife, she was very sympathetic and helped me all the way, but we agreed to keep it quiet,” said Davies, adding that her wife bought her jewelry and dresses to wear in private.
Davies was forced to stop however after a gang of youths began pelting her home with eggs after spying Davies through an open window.
“It’s not 100 percent safe now, but it’s much better than it was. People that I have told seem to be very accommodating and haven’t thrown abuse at me,” Davies said. “It feels like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders. I was living a lie… I joined the Women’s Institute. I socialize with them and have a natter [long chat]. I’m having a great time. I have a new lease on life.”
Next, allow this New York Times video to show you what it’s like to be transgender in the U.S. military. Then, discover five realities of being transgender that you won’t see on TV.
