Max, 25, has already undergone 'top surgery': a double mastectomy and male chest sculpting. He is hoping to become Britain's first transgender Rabbi.

Former policeman Karen, 52, is preparing for full gender affirmation surgery. Drew, 22, is stuck living at home, and desperate to lead a 'normal' life in a world that constantly asks 'Is that a boy or a girl?'

Lewis, 22, is looking to raise money for a double mastectomy and is investigating a phalloplasty (penis construction) - the surgeries he wants to make him feel fully male.

Fox, 30, has only been transitioning for six months, and struggles daily to overcome his feminine looks. Donna, 25, is content living between genders, but navigating relationships can be hard.

Sarah, 28, has just begun to live full-time as a woman and is building up the courage to tell her parents that she has changed her life forever.

The decision to change gender can leave many trans people profoundly isolated, and this group of seven is no different. Though some derive enormous strength from family and friends, others can find themselves cut off, and many struggle to find work.

Now they are coming together to share advice and support, reflecting a growing online community where many hundreds of transgender people have been making contact with one another.

By physically coming together, the group develops genuine friendships and gives themselves the strength to overcome some of the multiple challenges of being trans in day-to-day life.