Julie: Tell us about Cate Cate: I came out in 2005,after struggling for too long with who I really was inside, and despite the challenges and difficulties I’ve faced over the last few years, and the breakdown of my marriage, I couldn’t be happier..the only regret’s I have is the impact it has had on my family…their initial shock to what I told them, and how it has affected my relationship with a couple of them…but, for the most part, they are slowly coming to terms with the “new” me, and have often commented to me that I’m such a different person to the one they used to know…much more confident and outgoing. Julie: What has been the biggest challenge for you so far? Cate: I would have to say that really, I can’t think of any, apart from a couple of the jobs I’ve had since beginning my transition, where I’ve had to deal with the attitudes of some of the men towards me…All of the women I’ve worked with so far have been wonderful towards me, and I’ve formed some close friendships with more than a few of them, I’m really blessed in that respect.

Julie: If you had to start over again, what would you do differently?

Cate: To start at a much younger age, possibly late teens to early twenties..but, as other girl’s have said, I wouldn’t have had my family, and that has been a rewarding experience in itself, and has helped me to learn a lot about life.

Julie: Who do you admire and why?

Cate: My Mother….she is the most wonderful, loving, caring person I know, and for me to have been born to her is the best thing that could’ve ever happened to me..and the way that she has dealt with, and overcome all the difficulties she has faced in her life is an inspiration to me..she is simply the best!

Julie:It takes courage and determination to step out, what tips can you share and what is your motivator?

Cate: Don’t ever let fear rule over you…it will rob you of everything if you let it…we have to control it, not let it control us…be confident….look the world straight in the eye…when you walk, hold your head high, be proud of who you are..never be ashamed….and I remind myself each day that I have the same rights as everyone else out there…and I won’t let that be taken away from me

Julie: What are your 3 biggest success tips?

Cate:

1. just be yourself..don’t change for others, if you have to change for them you’re depriving yourself, and not being true to your spirit

2. don’t allow negative energy in your life..surround yourself, as much as possible, with positive energy, influences and people.

3. don’t take yourself too seriously…laugh…a lot…

Fast Fun Facts about Cate

Nick Name: Some friends call me Catey

Star sign: Virgo

Favourite Book: Too many to mention

Favourite Movie: The Notebook

Favourite Saying: Never give up!

Best advice you’ve ever received: to treat others as you want to be treated.

Best holiday: That’s yet to come…never really had a holiday for over twenty years, but a group of girl’s from where I work are flying to Sydney next month for 5 days, to see the Mardi Gras..and we plan on having a ball!!!

Your long term goal: To complete my transition and hopefully find a woman with whom I can have a permanent relationship with, and share life’s experiences together.

What others say about me: Do you really want me to answer that??,ha-ha…but seriously, from what I’ve been told and heard, that I’m easy going((not easy, LOL)..happy, caring and I’ve got a warped sense of humour…

Tell us more about you: I don’t like, and won’t tolerate those that judge without first getting to know people, I love being there for my friends, and enjoy living life to the full.

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