A TRANSGENDER woman – who has fathered three children – is hoping to make a difference when she takes part in a top competition.

Former biker Michaela James, aged 46, is in with the chance of taking home the crown at the Cardiff heat on Saturday.

The national competition is the biggest transgender beauty pageant in the country and Michaela hopes to get through to the final at Leeds Pride in August.

Michaela, who was born Michael Ernshaw in Ramsbottom, lived as a man until coming out two years ago following years of secret cross-dressing since the age of 11.

The former St Gabriel's High School pupil, who describes herself as a ‘transdaddy’ to her three boys and has lived in Darwen for the last 15 years, said: “Being a part of the pageant is so important to me although it’s not about winning, but the taking part and pushing my limits. I consider myself more fortunate than others, especially after meeting and speaking with other transwomen over the last two years, I've learnt so much.”

She hopes to educate people about living as a transsexual and offer support to other people who may be struggling with gender identity.

Michaela added: “I have seen the good, the bad and the ugly to varying degrees and have been in a position to help others who are less fortunate, and have done. My door is always open and I feel that this is my purpose to make a difference to those that need it most.

“There’s a lot of wrong information circulating about the transition from a man to woman and I think there needs to be clearer advice and help for these people to make it safer.

“I believe in education and support, starting at primary school level. I am already doing this by being visible, also through my children and their friends. It’s positive peer pressure.”

Speaking about her children, aged 13, seven and four, Michaela said: “I am a very proud transsexual and transdaddy.

“My three boys have been absolutely amazing, they’ve accepted me completely and their love continues to grow.

“They were my biggest motivation when I was struggling before I came out.

“I just kept thinking I can’t deny them the chance to meet Michaela.”

Michaela, who has been married twice before, says her first wife took the news well and they have retained a good relationship, however her most recent marriage failed leading up to her coming out.

She said: "My ex hasn't taken it well at all. I would cross dress when she left the house so she would never see me.

"I was jealous when we married because she got to wear the dress but I have tried it on without her knowing and since we split I've told her I wore it better.

"I think we could have made things okay but she has never been accepting of me so I had to walk away.

"I tried to live most of my life as a man but I've always known that it wasn't right and now I'm living my life my way, with my three boys by my side."