“Cancer profoundly transformed my existence. I eventually came to terms with my transgender identity and embarked on my transition journey.”

Paula Griffin, who was assigned male at birth, shared that she had battled with her identity for many years, which led her to become engrossed in work, drink excessively, and smoke continuously.

At 60 years old and hailing from Bermondsey in southeast London, she explained that her diagnosis of bladder cancer in 2017 empowered her to reshape her life.

Since then, she has switched careers, taken on the role of goalkeeper for three football teams, competed in the Women’s FA Cup, completed the London Marathon, trekked across the Andes to Machu Picchu, pursued modeling opportunities, and featured in two documentaries.

“My life has been revolutionized,” she expressed. “I feel an abundance of confidence now. By overcoming that fear, you can achieve anything.”

“It has granted me a fresh start – I feel like the person I was three decades ago,” she reflected.

“Since childhood, I have felt misaligned with my gender,” Ms. Griffin recounted. “That sensation was always present.”

Her hesitation to come out as transgender before stemmed from her impression that her surroundings would not support her.

However, the cancer diagnosis became a turning point.

After noticing blood in her urine and dealing with incontinence, Ms. Griffin sought medical assistance.

Tests indicated a concerning shadow on her bladder, and her urine sample revealed it was 50% blood. She was admitted right away and began treatment.

“It was diagnosed as stage three cancer, but thankfully, it was detected before it could spread,” she stated.

While she underwent surgery, her older sister Kerry, who had been battling colorectal cancer and receiving chemotherapy, passed away.

“This experience was a catalyst for me,” Ms. Griffin remarked. “I made a commitment to eliminate the detrimental aspects of my life that led me to this point.

“I discarded my cigarettes and quit excessive drinking. I finally accepted my transgender identity and started my transition,” she explained.

“I had a few chances to come out prior, but I felt restricted by my surroundings. Ultimately, when I did, I found that most people were supportive and unconcerned.”

She described the process of transitioning as taking approximately a year.

“It was an incredible moment to receive my new passport with an ‘F’ marking for female.”

“Now, I feel very empowered. Although I haven’t grown physically, I feel I stand taller. I have so much to anticipate.”

On Wednesday, the Supreme Court unanimously decided that the definition of a woman under the Equality Act 2010 is founded on biological sex and excludes transgender women with gender recognition certificates (GRCs), like Ms. Griffin.

“It’s still early to process the implications of this decision,” she noted. “I’m anxiously awaiting the outcomes.

“The critical question is how far this extends. I’m fine with rape centers choosing to exclude trans women, but I would feel anxious about being in a male ward at a hospital.”

Ms. Griffin is concentrating on her well-being and will be participating in Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life at Hyde Park on July 27, where she will sound the starting buzzer.

“The vital work that Cancer Research UK is doing played a role in saving my life,” Ms. Griffin affirmed.

“There are countless individuals like me who owe their lives to their research. They aim to speed up advancements – and we must support them.”