For me, authenticity isn't a fashionable word or a concept reserved for inspirational quotes. It is something I've had to learn, embrace and live.

 

I've been living openly as a trans woman for 25 years. That journey hasn't always been straightforward, but it has taught me some of the most valuable lessons I know: the importance of accepting yourself, having the courage to be seen for who you really are, and understanding that you don't have to fit somebody else's idea of who you should be.

 

Becoming comfortable in my own skin didn't happen overnight, I knew I was "different" from a very young age. Like many people, I've had moments of uncertainty, moments when I've questioned myself and moments when taking the next step required courage. But with time and a lot of mistakes, came a deeper understanding of who I am and what matters to me.

 

That experience has given me a particular appreciation for people who are navigating their own questions around identity, sexuality, desire, relationships or simply the changes that life brings. I know what it feels like to carry something that you aren't sure you can talk about openly. I think this is the main reason why I am launching my mentoring business, Mentropolis.

 

Perhaps that's why authenticity has become such an important part of the way I approach escorting. I want people who spend time with me to feel that they don't have to perform, pretend or explain themselves unnecessarily.

 

We all have different sides to ourselves, accepting that has been a massive part of my journey. Some are easy to share; others take a little more trust.

 

I've learned that there can be enormous freedom in allowing yourself to be honest about who you are, what you want and what makes you happy. Honestly, being me, makes me very happy.

 

For me, living authentically isn't about having all the answers. It's about having the courage to be honest with yourself  and giving yourself permission to live accordingly.