Lynne Jones is a luminous presence in the transgender community, a woman whose journey shines with resilience, compassion, and an unshakable devotion to others. As Vice President of the Beaumont Society, now blossoming into TransKind by Beaumont, she has poured her energy into modernizing this pioneering organization, ensuring it speaks to new generations while honoring its proud history. Her commitment is deeply personal, born from her own tender struggles with identity and self-acceptance. At just twelve years old, Lynne felt the undeniable pull to live as her true self, a longing that in those days carried no roadmap. In the shadows of a pre-internet world, information was scarce, yet hope found her in Manchester’s gay village, where she discovered that there was a name for what she felt — a revelation that brought comfort, recognition, and light. Through the years, Lynne has embraced her identity with grace and pride, surrounding herself with friends and family who celebrate her authentic self. Her life has been touched by profound trials and moments of destiny, none more dramatic than surviving the September 11 attacks while working in the World Trade Center. In the midst of chaos and loss, she discovered a renewed vow: to live boldly, to love deeply, and to uplift those who walk beside her.
For Lynne, visibility is not about spectacle but about weaving transgender lives seamlessly into the fabric of daily life, whether sharing laughter over coffee, strolling with friends, or exchanging kindness with strangers. Each small encounter becomes an act of advocacy, a quiet reminder that transgender people belong everywhere. Her relationship with femininity is at once joyful and natural, expressed through a style that is warm, approachable, and effortlessly “girl next door.” She delights in experimenting with fashion and makeup, drawing inspiration from women around her while shaping her own radiant expression. Family anchors her journey: her wife has been her confidante and guide, her children have welcomed her transformation with tender curiosity, and her mother’s nurturing spirit continues to echo in the kindness Lynne extends to others. She treasures, too, the bonds of sisterhood in the transgender community, the shared laughter, wisdom, and courage that allow women to blossom together. Lynne’s life is a hymn to resilience and authenticity. Through her advocacy, her daily presence, and her unwavering generosity of spirit, she shows that to live as one’s true self is not only possible but profoundly beautiful. In her, the transgender community finds not just a leader, but a beacon of hope, tenderness, and strength.
Monika: Hello Lynne! Thank you for accepting my invitation.
Lynne: You are very welcome, Monika. I am pleased to take part in an interview with you.
|
| "I felt the need to present as a woman from the age of 12." |
Monika: For readers who are meeting you for the first time, could you tell us a little about yourself and what inspired you to take on the work you do today?
Lynne: I am proud to be the Vice President of the Beaumont Society, a Trans organization that has been in existence since 1966, and next year we will celebrate our 60th anniversary. I am very driven and love to support, help, and assist other Trans people. It is hard, especially at the moment after the Supreme Court ruling, to be Trans, and this has led to a lot of anxiety in our community.
Monika: When did you first realize that you needed to present as a woman?
Lynne: I felt the need to present as a woman from the age of 12. Not knowing what this compulsive need was, I battled with it until my early twenties. In those days there wasn’t the internet, so there was no way to ask Mr. Google, “What is this thing I’m doing?” Racked by guilt and feeling like a freak, I went to the gay village in Manchester and spoke to some people who said I was Trans. I didn’t know what that meant, but I was relieved that it was a thing. This behavior of mine had a label.
Over the years I have accepted myself as Trans and love, embrace, and am proud of who I am. I now have a really good circle of Trans friends and a supportive family. I am so lucky, and I appreciate my situation every day.
Monika: Your life has spanned continents and has included moments that few could imagine experiencing. Could you share some of the experiences that have shaped you the most and influenced how you view life?
Lynne: In 1999, I moved with my family to the USA as an I.T. contractor. I worked in several places, and in April 2001 I got a job at the World Trade Center, working for a bank and running an I.T. team. On September 11th of that year, while in the office, a plane flew into the north tower and the ceiling fell on us. We were all evacuated. I went over the street to our other office, and after a short while, a plane flew into the south tower of the World Trade Center. The ceiling fell in on us, and we were all covered in plaster, dust, and debris. I was no hero, just a person who was there on that horrendous day, experiencing the horror that played out.
Monika: How did surviving such a traumatic event change your perspective on life and your approach to helping others?
Lynne: One positive that came out of 9-11 for me was that it changed my outlook on life. I vowed from then on that I would always do my best to help people, to enjoy every day, and to make the most of my skills to support others.
In recent years, as Vice President of the Beaumont Society, I have led the push to modernize, update, and move the Society forward. We are currently rebranding ourselves as TransKind by Beaumont to attract a new generation of members and to stay relevant in a changing world.
|
| "I think it is important to be out there doing ordinary things in the community at large." |
Monika: Many people navigate complex roles in life, balancing family, work, and social expectations. In your journey, you’ve embraced your identity with courage and become a visible advocate for transgender rights. Have you ever felt the desire to stay in the background, to be recognized simply as a woman without the additional label of being a transgender woman?
Lynne: I think it is important to be out there doing ordinary things in the community at large. For example, going shopping with a friend, going to a cafe or restaurant, and just being female in everyday situations. The more the wider community sees Trans people as ordinary people doing ordinary things, the more we will be accepted.
Monika: How do everyday interactions help shape public perception of Trans people?
Lynne: We sometimes forget that the vast majority of people have never met a Trans person. Yes, we might get a glance or a look, but when we are seen drinking tea and chatting with friends in a cafe, or shopping in a store, people quickly realize there is nothing to be afraid of. This person is not a monster, they are just another individual going about their daily life.
Monika: Do casual conversations with strangers make a difference in gaining acceptance?
Lynne: Many times when I am out with a friend or two, I have casual conversations with people who are not my friends. Often it is curiosity that motivates them to start a chat, usually asking how I am or engaging in light conversation. Interacting with people is sometimes key to gaining acceptance. Most retail staff in stores, cafes, and restaurants are very respectful, and they often welcome a conversation with someone who is willing to show them respect and engage politely.
Monika: How do you maintain your own sense of identity while navigating public spaces?
Lynne: When I am out, I see myself as just another woman. I do my best to blend in by dressing age-appropriately and behaving naturally. I represent Beaumont on the Trans Organisation Network and have attended many Pride and Trans festivals and events. I also record a video each year for the Trans Day of Remembrance. It is extremely important to campaign for Trans rights, especially in the UK, where they seem to be eroded on a daily basis. We are an easy target at present, and it feels like “divide and conquer” is some people’s agenda.
Monika: What role does support from family and friends play in your confidence and advocacy work?
Lynne: It is important to keep the wider Trans community front and centre in the public’s mind, showing that we are ordinary people living our lives. Being Trans is not a sexual fetish, and we do not all dress in Rocky Horror outfits and parade around every day. Of course, in any community there are fetish groups, but showing the public that most of us are ordinary people is extremely important.
I have a very supportive wife who guides me with fashion, buys clothes for me, and advises me on colors, styles, and so on. Most of my friends know about Lynne and are positive, although one friend is negative. I am very lucky; it does not always go this way. I know of many Trans people whose families have disowned them, stripped them of all finances, and left them on the street. It can be a nightmare.
|
| "When I am out, I see myself as just another woman." |
Monika: Choosing a name is such a deeply personal decision, one that can hold layers of significance and meaning. How did you come to choose the name Lynne? Does it carry a special resonance for you, perhaps representing a part of your journey or embodying a particular feeling or aspiration?
Lynne: For many years I went with the name Julie, calling myself after a tall, long-legged lady I worked with. She was about 5 ft 10 tall, completely the opposite of me. I’m 5 ft 3, but with a big personality. After many years, I decided to change my name to something that was short and sweet, like me, and something that people could remember. There wasn’t any real significance in choosing “Lynne” other than that really. I wish there was. I like Lynne, short and to the point.
Monika: When you came out, did your mother embrace you as her daughter? Do you feel any connection to her in the way you look, carry yourself, or even in your style and mannerisms?
Lynne: My wife has always said that “Put a wig on you and you look like your mum.” So looks-wise, yes, I hope I look like her. She was 4 ft 11 inches tall, but a very caring person. When we were kids, like most people in the day, we didn’t have much money, but my mum always showed us lots of love and care.
On that front, I do try to love everyone and help people along the way. Life is too short to be angry all the time, and I do try to portray the love and care that my mum did. I do find that if you are nice to people, generally people are nice back to you.
Monika: Do you have any transgender role models who inspire you or help guide your journey?
Lynne: In my daily life, I come across many Trans people who show tremendous strength, courage, and warmth, and I am always surprised at the depth of all of the above. I don’t have a role model as such, but I try to learn from others every day and be the best I can to help others in our community.
Monika: How does it feel to help others blossom, especially those “girls who’d never been outside their homes”? Do you ever stop and think, “Look at her now… and I got to be part of that”?
Lynne: It’s an amazing feeling when you meet someone who needs help and you can be there for them to develop their confidence and see them blossom. I remember one time I accompanied a Trans friend who had never been out to a Beaumont hotel-based members weekend. On Saturday I said, “Come on, we’re going to the town to go shopping.” She panicked, but as she desperately wanted to go out, she agreed. We walked out of the hotel with my friend by my side. She was very nervous, but she’d made it outside. That’s always the hardest first step.
|
| "I don’t have a role model as such." |
Lynne: As we walked along the street, a lady was gardening. I stopped and complimented her on her garden and had a quick chat. My friend froze on the spot as the lady and I talked. I was expecting the patter of feet back to the hotel, but no, she stood there, and then we moved on. Coming towards us was a man walking with a young puppy, probably on its first foray out in public too. I looked at the man and commented that his dog was adorable. We again chatted for a few minutes, and my friend froze in silence.
Monika: How did she react after those encounters?
Lynne: Once the man and his lovely puppy moved on, my friend said to me, “Those people spoke to you as an ordinary person!!” I replied, “But of course, I’m just an ordinary person, why wouldn’t they?” I realized at this point that my friend, who had never been out before, was still very nervous. I explained to her that it’s all a matter of confidence and that after a few times out she too would be chatting to people. For now, I said, let’s get to the shops and do some browsing.
Monika: How did she adjust once you reached the shops?
Lynne: In the first shop I stuck by her shoulder to shoulder because I could see she was nervous. After a few more shops and enjoying browsing, she commented, “This is great, and I see that all the other people are just getting on with their own business.” I replied, “Yes!” She had expected everyone to stop what they were doing and stare at her. But that’s all because of lack of experience out in the big wide world. To be very fair, it is extremely daunting the first few times out in public.
Monika: What was the result of that first trip out for her confidence?
Lynne: As the shopping trip went on, she became more confident. I even left her to pay for a dress she had seen, taking a few steps back to give her her own space, but close enough to be there for her. When we got back to the hotel, she had a beaming smile. She had really enjoyed her first trip out.
From then on, she blossomed and developed into a really confident Trans woman who would join us on trips many times. For me, it is a privilege and an honor to be able to help someone, to see them blossom and grow in confidence, and to be the person they really are. I get great satisfaction in helping other Trans people grow in confidence and stature. It’s not easy taking that first step, but it’s a wonderful life out there if you can do it.
Monika: Over the years, how have you come to understand and embrace your femininity?
Lynne: Many years ago, when I look back, I cringe, as I wasn't very feminine at all. But as the years have gone on, I embrace my femininity. I honestly think it gets stronger as I get older. I’ve never been a man's man, as it were, and even when presenting in man mode, I’m always Lynne in my thoughts, actions, and deeds.
Also, if I don't look down and see what clothes I’m wearing, male or female, in my head I’m always my natural self. I just think that clothes are just props that allow me to present as male or female, but inside I know I’m Lynne always. My natural personality is one of being a Mother Hen. I love organizing shopping trips with the girls or meals out, getting a group of us together. I like being in the company of CIS women and being accepted as “one of the girls.”
END OF PART 1
All photos: courtesy of Lynne Jones.
© 2025 - Monika Kowalska
No comments:
Post a Comment