Transgender goes from macho marine to blonde beauty

A former US marine has shared her incredible transformation from a burly bloke to blonde beauty.

Matthew (l) and Sona (r)

Sona Avedian, 33, who was assigned male at birth and named Matthew, lived as a hairy muscle-man until her brave transition in 2012.

From the age of four Sona knew she was a girl, but growing up in a conservative family it was a secret she expected to take to her grave.

As a US marine she overcompensated to ‘fit in’ and bulked up to a hefty 238lbs (17 stone).

She served six combat tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan before her transition.

Sona after her transformation, feeling more feminine than ever

With a beautiful wife, a young daughter and a respected job, she was living the American dream – except it was all a facade.

In November 2012 Sona came out as transgender and began taking hormone therapy.

After undergoing complex surgery and shedding a remarkable 98lbs (seven stone) she started her new life as a pretty blonde.

She stopped eating junk food, started cycling again and discovered yoga.

Sona, who lives in Austin, Texas, USA, said: “Since I came out I have tried to live a normal life – it’s like anyone, there are good and bad times.

“There are certain things I miss, I lost a lot of friends but I’ve also made a lot of new friends.

Sona as a child

“I was following the American dream – I don’t even know who I’m looking at the before pictures, it was so depressing.

“Personally I’m much happier, I don’t have any conflicts with who I am.

“I am definitely a tom boy and that’s okay.

“Before I couldn’t stand myself and I couldn’t interact with people.”

Sona and her ex-wife Lucy were divorced in 2013 and although they still speak it was a difficult time for both.

New and old body

However, Sona’s relationship with their adorable five-year-old daughter couldn’t be stronger.

She added: “I had already anticipated divorce but I had never lived alone.

“Living in a tent in I got to explore that. But I’m not dating at the moment, it seems to slow me down. If I meet some, I meet someone.

“My daughter and I are awesome, she adores being around me.

“She only remembers me as a women and I love how we interact, we are so much alike.

Sona’s wedding day

“Even though she’s five, she has really intelligent conversations, especially if you push her to talk. I can talk to her like an adult.

“Most of our dialogue is cute little banter and I love it.”

Sona, who is currently single, drives for Lyft and Uber and spends her spare time backpacking.

She is also a passionate advocate for the LBGT community and chronicles her inspiring journey on her blog.