
Motorsport has always been seen as an elite sport, often associated with those who have the means and connections to back their ambitions. However, my journey into this world started quite differently. With just £1,500 saved from a summer job, I set out to chase my dream of becoming a professional racer, despite not having a racing family background or any experience in go-karting, which is often the typical starting point for most drivers.
The journey was far from easy. I had to learn everything from scratch—how to approach sponsors, manage finances, and, most importantly, hone my driving skills. Every race was a learning experience, and every setback was an opportunity to grow. The financial strain was constant; I had to juggle multiple jobs to fund my racing, often making tough decisions about where to invest limited resources.
But beyond the financial hurdles, there was another challenge I faced—one that was deeply personal. I realized at a young age that I was transgender. Navigating my identity in one of the most male-dominated and testosterone-fueled environments in sports was daunting. For years, I kept my truth hidden, focusing solely on my career and trying to fit in.
In 2012, I made the life-changing decision to transition. The support from close friends and family was crucial, but stepping into the paddock post-transition was another story. The motorsport community wasn’t known for its inclusivity, and I was stepping into uncharted territory. However, the desire to be true to myself outweighed the fear of rejection.
Three years of racing in France taught me resilience. By 2018, I felt it was time to share my story publicly. On Trans Day of Visibility, I came out to the world. It was a bold move, but one I felt was necessary not only for my own authenticity but to pave the way for others in the LGBTQ+ community. I wanted to show that it was possible to be both true to oneself and successful in a field that often felt exclusionary.
The response was overwhelming. I received messages from people around the world—some from aspiring racers, others from individuals who found courage in my story to embrace their own identities. This fueled my passion for advocacy. I became an ambassador for organizations like Stonewall, Mermaids, Racing Pride, and Athlete Ally, working tirelessly to promote inclusion in sport.
My efforts extended beyond racing. I partnered with brands like Pantene, Stoli Vodka, and Ford to spread messages of diversity and acceptance. I also had the privilege of visiting 10 Downing Street to discuss policies that could help make sports more inclusive.
One of the highlights of my advocacy work was being featured in the Vogue 25 list of the most influential women shaping the future. Appearing in British Vogue alongside inspiring figures like Vanessa Kingori and Edith Bowman was a surreal experience, but it reinforced the importance of visibility and representation.
Today, I continue to race and advocate for a more inclusive motorsport industry. The path I chose was not easy, but it was worth it. My journey is a testament to the fact that with determination, resilience, and authenticity, it’s possible to break barriers and achieve dreams, no matter how unconventional the path may be.
Thank you for reading. Your support helps drive change, not just in motorsport but in every field where inclusion and diversity are still a work in progress.