A Brazilian TV personality known as the 'Human Ken Doll' has come out as transgender, telling her 800,000 followers that she finally feels like "the real me".
Rody Alves, 36, has previously drawn international media attention for appearing on reality shows including Botched and Celebrity Big Brother, where she's been open about her love for cosmetic surgery. She now lives in London.
“It feels amazing to finally tell the world I’m a girl,” Roddy said of her transition, according to the Mirror. “I’m known as Ken but inside I’ve always felt like Barbie.”
She continued: “For years I tried to live my life as a man. I had a fake six pack put in, I had fake muscles in my arms but I was lying to myself.
“I’m a woman and have always had a feminine brain. Now my body matches my mind.”
Since beginning her transition, Alves has shared insights into her journey on social media - posting the first professional photo shoot she participated in as her true self and explaining how it helped her find the courage to come out.
Speaking to the Mirror, Alves recalled: “I began wearing the lingerie at home and it made me feel beautiful. It was an awakening. It finally all became clear to me… Within a month I was diagnosed with gender dysmorphic disorder and given the option to start the appropriate medication to transition.”
She added: “A few years ago I could never have done this but it feels easier now. People are more aware of what being transgender means.
"I just hope people can accept me as a woman and don’t judge or ridicule me.”
