Chelsea Conroy, 29 was born a boy called Jonathan, before transitioning three years ago.
She says: "Growing up I always knew I was different and longed to be a girl. At 26, with the support of my family, I started hormone therapy. I loved the changes.
28-YEAR AGE GAP FIANCEE: 'SEX WITH MY GRANDDAD BOYFRIEND IS THE BEST I"VE EVER HAD!'
"The only thing missing from my life was a relationship. I'd always fancied masculine men and longed to find a hunky guy. I set up a profile on a dating website, revealing I was transgender. A couple of weeks later, I got a message from a guy called Craig.
"I loved his muscley physique, dark hair and piercing green eyes. He was exactly my type. Meeting up, there was an instant connection.
"But things soon started to crumble. Craig broke down and confessed he'd wanted to be a woman since the age of eight. I was shocked. I hadn't suspected a thing as he was so manly. It was hard at first- I thought I'd met my ideal bloke and had to get used to seeing Craig in a different light. But I realised I loved him for the person he is and I knew I didn't want to lose him..."
MOTHER REUNITED WITH KIDNAPPED SON THANKS TO THIS FACEBOOK PHOTO
24-year-old Carla Spence, born Craig, adds: "Meeting Chelsea aged 23 transformed my life. I was scared to tell her I wanted to become a woman incase I lost her. I'm lucky to have Chelsea- I just wish I could have supported her during her transition."
**To read Carla and Chelsea's story in full, buy Closer magazine, out now. **