Alice

[can be better in landscape on phones]

A Man Called Alice

Hi, I’m Alice to many of my friends, and Keith to others.

I started cross-dressing in 2012, firstly in secret but have gradually become more open about who I am.

Initially I was ashamed of who I was as it felt wrong to be dressing as a woman and I knew I would be judged and condemned by some of the people I knew.

Yes, I like to dress up differently from societal norms – but ultimately they are just slightly different shaped bits of cloth and I find it strange that we make such distinctions. Why shouldn’t I wear a pretty dress if I like how it looks? They are only clothes.

Latterly, largely through social media interaction, I have found people who do not judge but celebrate who I am and this has helped my confidence immensely and I am indebted to them all. 

Alice started off as my larger than life alter-ego and Keith remained shy and withdrawn. With the support of these friends I have grown to become more ‘Alice’ in everyday life and I am truly grateful for this and want to celebrate that!

Going out in public as Alice for the first time was the scariest day of my life but, guess what, nothing happened and the world didn’t end!

Whilst I am still careful and choosy about where I present as Alice (e.g. not in my home town) it holds no fear for me any longer. Mostly people are not bothered and, in fact, are often quick to compliment me on how I look which is a wonderful feeling.

The company where I worked a few years ago had a strong Pride movement and I was lucky enough to take part in a couple of Pride marches in London.

Prancing along Piccadilly in fishnets and a pair of angel wings in front of a million people remains one of my most memorable days. I truly felt free that day.  

More recently I have discovered the joy of naturism and have visited several beaches in the UK and love the freedom of being out in the sunshine clothes-free. I have also taken part in some organised naturist wild swims and the feeling of being naked in the water is second to none.

The human body is a beautiful thing that should be celebrated and I regret that society in general regards nudity as something to be hidden and sexualised.

Walking or hiking has become a passion of mine in recent years and I love exploring the lesser known parts of my home county and its coastline and beaches (apparently there are 69 of them!).

Now retired, I have made it my mission to visit every publicly accessible island in Great Britain which may take me the rest of my life but is something to aim for: there are well over 100 of them!

Earlier this summer I visited 9 different islands in the Inner Hebrides and had the most wonderful time, and yes, there were multiple opportunities to go clothes-free on deserted beaches of white sand. It was blissful!

It seemed apt today to wear an outfit that combined both my love of wearing a dress and hiking. The rock formations we used as a backdrop today matched perfectly with the boots and my passions.

When I came across the Ages project, I just knew I had to take part. I noticed that there was no-one of my age featured (61), so it feels right to fill the gap!

So here I am, free and natural and loving life!

My offering today is 3 stones from 3 different islands in Scotland I picked up earlier this summer and 3 beautifully polished and sculpted hearts which express my joy of the natural beaty of Great Britain. It’s out there waiting, and it’s free!

Join in by contacting me via my contacts page.