Meet Munroe - the DJ and party girl who was born a boy
THIS is the DJ and party girl who is taking London by storm - and she's got a secret.
Monroe Bergdorf, 27, has wowed crowed with her flowing locks and smooth complexion - but she was born a boy and given the name Ian.
She said that she had 'always known' she was 'supposed to be' a woman, but had kept it hidden.
She explained: "I went to a very conservative all boys school that specialised in rugby - and I got picked on for being quite effeminate.
"But I remember being about 17 and wondering how different my life would be if I didn't care what people think.
"It was then that it suddenly hit me - it was time to start being true to myself - so I came out as gay to begin with and then I started dressing up as a woman and doing drag.
"Soon I started the slow process to transition into a woman, it was the best decision I've ever made.
"I'm now a DJ full time and I do some work within the fashion industry too.
"I've worked for Calvin Klein, designed a lip gloss for Illamasqua, a makeup brand that I love, and I've even designed capsule lines for Boy London - Rihanna has worn one of my pieces."
The part-time model said 'some people' noticed she had been assigned male at birth, but some people didn't, and she was happy to talk about the matter if asked.
She started to transition when she was 19, and started taking hormones when she was 25.
She explained: "I first started taking hormones that had been prescribed to my other trans friends.
"It is not something that I would recommend at all, but the process can take such a long time, and once you've made the decision to become the person you really are, you just want to get on with it.
"It was really exciting to start taking the hormones and see my body change - and soon as I was given them by my doctor.
"It's like going through puberty again so I got quite self conscious about the way I looked and dressed, and I felt as though I started to think differently.
"I didn't really like explaining what was going on to people as I was doing this for myself, but friends and family were curious.
"My mum found out what was going on when she noticed my chest growing - it was a shock at first but she's very supportive.
"As soon as I noticed the change in myself it was like I wasn't ashamed anymore."
I want people to know that it's ok to be different
Now Ms Bergdorf from East London, says she hopes her story will help other transgender people.
She said: "I think it's important that the world understands and respects transgender people and the rights that they deserve to have within society.
"I'm so much happier now than I was growing up.
"I want people to know that it's ok to be different, and that you shouldn't be scared of being the person you are.
"I talk quite openly now about what's I've been through and frequently speak publicly about trans rights and community issues.
"I think it's important that the world understands and respects transgender people, the struggles that they face and the rights that they deserve."