A YOUNG woman from Houghton Regis who was born a boy but incredibly grew into a female body is revealing the story of her life to help those who are different feel better about themselves.
Ryan McKenna’s story, Man In The Mirror: Woman Forever, will tell how the 19-year-old developed the woman’s body she always wanted due to “raging levels of oestrogen”.
She told the Gazette: “My book will be of support not just to people who are either transgender or born into the wrong body, but to anyone who feels different in any way whether it’s size, colour, skin. It will be aimed at everyone.”
Ryan has a rare condition known as androgen insensitivity syndrome which has seen her develop breasts and curves. She also never developed an Adam’s apple or facial hair, and has “girly” size five feet.
The condition – which affects about one in 100,000 people – can cause severe psychological problems, but Ryan has grown into a confident young woman.
She has become something of a celebrity after her appearances in The Sun and on Daybreak last week, as well as an forthcoming Closer photoshoot.
Ryan, who works as a carer of the elderly, said the response has been “fantastic”. She added: “If anything I’ve had a lot more people befriend me, wanting to know more. It’s improved my social life.
“I was out on Saturday night and a group of girls came over to me and said that it was amazing.
“One of the girls was a lesbian and told me my story has helped her be who she wants to be.”
Her appearance in The Sun led to a flood of support from commenters on the paper’s website.
One user said: “What fantastic parents. I wish more parents would accept their children under these circumstances. Ryan is one lucky lady!”
Another said: “Good luck, a lifetime of happiness to you!”
Ryan’s parents first noticed something was different about their son when they found lumps on their six-month-old’s breasts.
She said: “My oestrogen levels were so high when I was born but my testosterone levels weren’t really even there.”
“When I was like four, five I always knew I was really really different.”
Ryan, of Ashwell Walk, always had female friends that she grew up with at Queensbury School.
She said: “I’ve always had an awful lot of friends that support me.
“All the way through school I was always with the girls. I just grew into a girl naturally, and I never shaved as well!”
Aged 15, Ryan would dress as a woman to get into nightclubs.
She said: “If I was wearing a tiny dress with high heels, I’d never draw attention to myself. I always fitted in.
“Now I’m at an age where I understand my body, so I feel I’m in a position to tell my story.”
Ryan – who did not feel the need to change her name – is a straight woman born in a male body, but is in no rush to find a boyfriend.
She said: “At the minute I’m not really looking for anyone – I’m more interested in my horses, my hair and make-up. It’s a lot more fun and less hassle!
“I love my life, I wouldn’t change my life. I absolutely love it.”
>Watch the Gazette’s interview with Ryan at www.dunstabletoday.co.uk.