Meet Michelle - A Tale of Two Halves(1/2) By Jo Allison

(1/2), (2/2).

From tanning salons, to nightclubs and inventions galore, we meet Hull's most fabulously fascinating tranny. Michelle, or Mike, depending how you know her, proves that transvestites are not, as widely believed, like vampires who only come out at night. Sitting in a hotel, cigarette and coffee in hand, Michelle blends into the classy, traditional setting. Dressed like all the other ladies that lunch, only slightly more stylishly, she is completely comfortable as the interview starts.

Michelle, a 46 year old with several businesses under her glittery New Look belt has know that she was a tranny since she was eight years old, Nearly all trannies know, and somehow at that age you know that nobody can know about it explains Michelle. However, 38 years on, now nearly everybody knows, and she is proud to be a tranny. Before being outed nine years ago, Michelle was happily married, The day that I proposed to my wife I told her, look, I've got something to tell you, I dress up in women's clothes. Neither of them at the time understood the implications of this. They are still married, although now separated on great terms.

Still having to keep her male business, Michelle dresses as a man, from Monday to Wednesday, and then I'm a girl from then on through the weekend. Owning her own business for the past 17 years, she finds it quite rewarding but admits it doesn't do much for her nails! Michelle has many strings to her diamante-incrusted bow. For example, since October 2004, she, and her gay friend John have opened a nail and tanning salon in Hull, called Salon SI. We've got sun beds, spray tans, and nail bar, she reveals proudly.

Like a typical woman, gets actively involved in the nitty gritty, I do facials and waxing, and the odd spray tan. Salon SI is a really friendly and chilled out place to visit, we have an amazing real female beautician, Janice, who is very friendly, and welcomes everybody with a smile and a friendly chat. It's a salon for every gender. Michelle (and Mike) also work for Hull's biggest and brashest gay club, Fuel. Both as front of house, and also as Mike, doing maintenance and repairs to the venue. Michelle feels that working in Fuel has, given me a lot more credibility and has been there that long that I'm just like the decoration!

With manicured fingers in many pies her most recent ventures are the most exciting, like the invention of her wrinkle-free pillow, every woman and gay man's dream. I started getting wrinkles on my face, and I thought, how the hell could I get rid of this? With the help of her fashion designer friend, Sarah, she created a prototype, I've come up with something that actually works, it takes the design of an ordinary pillow to another level.

Michelle is approaching people in London to patent the design, Hopefully if this takes off it will be one of my investments that will have worked... it's not the money, I want something that I have invented to work, so that I can rest in peace if I ever die! Michelle aims to set up a cottage business, and keep the pillows made locally in Hull, perhaps her invention will put us on the fashion map?!

Continued .... Next Page (2/2)

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