Computer expert Irene Parsons told today how she started studying for a degree course as a man - and completed it as a woman.

Gaining an Open University degree was a life-changing experience.

Success - Irene celebrates after getting her degree Picture: ROB BROWNE

Irene, 50, of Haven Road, Canvey, started her studies in 1995/6 as a man but is now a fully fledged woman and a proud graduate with a BSc degree.

The transformation ended years of agony and turmoil for Irene, which she revealed began as a six-year-old. She said: "I woke up and said 'I'm a girl'."

By 12, Irene started stealing her mother's clothes, but described how her female leanings continued "at a very low level", until she was 18.

However, as a man she embarked on a relationship and when her teenage girlfriend became pregnant, Irene said: "I did the laudable thing and married her. We were both too young and I didn't know myself."

The marriage foundered and at around 19, Irene started hormone treatment towards a gender change, but was forced to stop for her son's sake.

Irene, a computer field service engineer, suffered such inner agonies she made three suicide attempts, until she finally announced at a family gathering that she was going to become female.

In September 1999, she began the social transformation, living exclusively as Irene.

Published Wednesday, April 23, 2003

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