Do you have fears about society, your family, etc... any apprehensions, any general concerns?

I brought up the subject with my wife for the first time about 10 years ago.

We had been married for 15 years, and I was struggling at the time; living my femininity in secret had become too heavy to bear.

I needed to share it with someone.

Of course, it was a big shock for her, as if her world was collapsing.

She preferred to act as if it didn’t exist. Our kids were young and we really didn’t have any options.

I continued to express my femininity in secret with more or less difficult moments.

"My eldest son, for whom in the end it was a non-issue, but ..."

We decided to tell our three sons, 24, 21, and 17 years old.

I dreaded that moment but at the same time it was a relief to share it, for all of it to no longer be hidden.

Since I am often away from home, I didn’t want them to imagine things.

A psychologist told me that even if they don’t like it, hiding it also sends them the message that we must hide who we are. I found that very true.

I knew my children weren’t transphobic but when the subject touches you directly, reactions can vary.

First surprise! The reaction of my eldest son, for whom it was ultimately a non-issue. Maybe because of his age, it was easier for him.

Sharing it with my second son, I felt more comfortable; he’s gay and knows the community better.

I know he talked about it with his friends and I think it brought us closer. We can share more things together, a budding complicity on some subjects is forming.

For my youngest son, it’s more complicated. He didn’t speak to me for a month, then little by little our relationship resumed without addressing the subject.

He will certainly need time.

I also told my parents, who are 80 years old. Again, it was a shock for them but without rejection.

My mother especially asks herself many questions. She feels a bit guilty for not having guessed.

She had found clothes when I was a teenager and had questioned me but it was too hard for me to talk about it then and she didn’t insist.

Again, I realize the importance of saying things clearly.

I told my parents over the phone. When I went to see them later, my mother expected me to show up as a woman!

I feel better now that my close circle knows, even if they are still uncomfortable with the subject.

It’s still a beginning of recognition.

Why did you turn to me, and what did I bring you in this stage of your life, if I brought you anything?

I knew your website and your blog, which I read regularly.

I had wanted to come see you for some time.

Your commitment to our community and the visibility you give us is really very important.

When I decided to come to my first Diner de Charly in October, it was the opportunity.

I had seen your skills as a makeup artist, then I discovered your kindness and listening.

I have always loved makeup while being clumsy when applying it.

When I see the result, I am impressed and I like myself, I feel good.

It may not seem like much but it also gives that confidence to accept oneself as we are, to own it and to go out.

We would all like to have perfect passing, but there is often something that betrays us—the gestures, the voice... but I’m ready to own it if I feel good.

Every outing I make brings something more, an experience, a meeting, one more small step on this path we are carving.

You introduced me to your network and right away I felt less alone.

I had been waiting for this evening for a very long time and all these beautiful encounters, this kindness and acceptance feels so good.

We all have moments of doubt…

Sometimes we tell ourselves it would anyway be much easier to live a “normal” male life but I leave with so many good memories that all these difficulties are finally worth it; otherwise, we would miss out on all these sparkles.

Magnificent!

What a magnificent testimony! One more. Thank you, Stéphanie.

Stéphanie’s testimony echoes many stories I encounter at Transbeauté and other accounts shared on my blog.

For years, Stéphanie juggled fear of rejection, anxiety over others’ gazes, and a deep need to fully live her femininity.

This journey, between repression and liberation, is a reality shared by many, and it is precisely here that Transbeauté steps in.

With my experience, I have seen that a makeup session is much more than a simple moment of beauty.

For some, it is a revelation; for others, a true liberation.

It is the opening to a new personal dimension, a universe where femininity can be expressed without fear.

Each first session is often incredibly intense, charged with powerful emotions, like a step towards oneself.

I also offer you access to my “address book” and wonderful outings to live your femininity well accompanied.

At Transbeauté, I provide this space of kindness and discovery where the support goes far beyond makeup: it is a transformative experience, a true encounter with oneself.

So, shall we see each other soon?

Jennifer