The first to discover my then secret world of Steph was my youngest son. He was around 16 at the time; we had always been open with each other and very close, due to being divorced and me being a part time Dad, so to speak. We could talk about anything in a very matter of fact sort of a way, and we were straight talkers as were both of my sons.

Back to the plot, my youngest son found some of my photos on my computer in which I appeared as Steph, and with others from my then local support group Boston Belles. I am an advocate of ‘never have a photo taken that you can't talk your way out of’ and so I had nothing to fear.
On entering my living room and seeing him sat at the computer with my photo on the screen he enquired ‘what's this about then Dad?’ My answer was ‘well it's me and I go to a group where men dress as women and chill out, it’s like being someone else for a while, that’s all.’ ‘Are you gay Dad?’ was the next question asked in a nervous tone. ‘No, don't be daft…’ was my reply ‘…you know Dad like’s women.’
The next occasion this subject was broached was one Christmas when he told me he had seen some more photo's of Steph. ‘Oh’ I replied. Then as he walked by me, to leave the room,he added ‘yes they were ok, well not bad really.’ I was elated, as I knew I must have looked better than in my previous ones, and mainly he was ok with it too.

He later came to live with me for a while as his Mum had moved away. I continued to dress in private and would tell him when I was off to my support group meetings, to which he always replied ‘I don't want to see you!’ (meaning dressed of course).
When out driving to my group meetings I was never nervous, until one December night I drove through my local village to find the road full of the local school kids all out carol singing en mass. As my vehicle and I were well known at the time, my heart was beating like a drum! Luckily they soon passed by, so I continued on my way feeling slightly flustered.

When I moved to Blackpool I told both my son’s, that It was my intention to earn my living by running my own Dressing Service. I hoped in time they would fully accept me for who I was and not just tolerate it because I was their Dad. My youngest struggled for a while, though given time I was running him to and fro to the train station whenever he visited, dressed as Steph! In the meantime my eldest had actually been out with me as Steph in town. Our funniest moment was when he returned from the bar in the cabaret lounge pulling a face. I asked him what was the matter and he replied ‘the girl who served me dad, you could see her sideburns under her wig!’ I replied ‘look son, they ain't all as pretty as your Dad!’ We both laughed and I knew it was a great moment to share.
My youngest completely came round to the idea of Steph after he had attended a stag party with some friends. He told me how he was dragged on stage and had a drag artist lap dance on him. He rang me after to tell me what had happened and followed it with ‘I know what it’s all about now dad you’re just having a laugh and playing at being someone else.’ After that we never looked back.

I am a great believer in respect. My son’s respect me and what I do, and I respect them to the point I will never embarrass them with Steph in their personal lives. From their acceptance of my lifestyle, I have since told my brothers of Steph as well as my aunty, who then proceeded to tell all the other members of my family! Bless her.

Steph only appears to my sons when they visit me if I have been working, otherwise it’s just plain old Dad. I have no desire to parade in front of my family as they accept me and that’s all I want from them. Respect goes both ways.
Please enjoy you’re dressing and smile, let the world know your having the time of your life in all photos and above all, laugh at yourself, then you’re untouchable

So r family have accepted you as `Steph`
xx

So glad that your family have accepted you as `Steph`
xx
Sorry about the first message
xx

thats great steph and some good advice,i only dress in doors but am trying to get my wife to come to terms with it.you are a lucky lady to have their support.

Tiny steps do seem better than a great leap into the dark. When I first told my wife she thought it might be the end of our marriage but now she sees that I'm not that different and I may be slightly better as she can now talk about make-up and fashion with me. She still doesn't want to see me dressed but maybe one day but that can wait.

awwwww thats is so wonderful good on you steph and bless ya sons they are just amazing and i am just chuffed to beits that accept you for being you xxamyxx

Nice work, I'm looking forward to revealing all to family.. lol. Well done anyway, very happy for you xx

Love your story Steph.The way your sons have accepted you is wonderful.
Im on the verge of telling all to my mother,she has a damn good idea and,with loads of pics on my phone it is just time to compose myself before i show!

good luck Katrina I hope it all goes well for you xx