From struggle to strength: Rachel's transition
We're proud to share a message written by Rachel, a member of our very own LGBTQ+ Network. At EDF, our employee networks are integral to our inclusive culture. They are open to all and support our people whilst advocating for positive change.
Hi, I’m Rachel Cruz, Energy Specialist and Site Lead for the LGBTQ+ Supporters Network and also Site Lead LGBTQ+ Officer for Unison.
Transgender Day of Visibility (TDoV) observed worldwide and raises awareness about transgender people. A day to celebrate the lives and contributions of transgender people and also to draw attention to the poverty, discrimination and violence that the community faces.
I’ve been transitioning for nearly nine years and have been on estrogen for eight years. April 25th will mark five years post gender reassignment surgery (GRS) and I’m nearly three years post breast augmentation.
Life for me is good. It’s what you make it. We all have a story to tell, so here’s mine, and the fact that I’m here today is quite a miracle in itself.
Let me take you back to where it really began
It was 1953, my dad and his brother Charlie were at a dance hall. My uncle Charlie approached my mum first, asking her out to the cinema the following day, agreeing to meet her at hers at 7pm. My dad turned up at 6pm, and said to my mum that Charlie couldn’t make it and that he’d take her to the cinema instead (unbeknownst to my uncle Charlie...). My mum, relieved to see my dad, confessed it was actually him she fancied and was pleased to see him.
Two days later they were married. The honeymoon phase didn't last very long as my dad left to train with his squadron for the war and was due to head out for Burma. Before he was due to leave, he got the news that his father had been killed in combat, granting him compassionate leave, and his squadron left for Burma without him. Shortly after, he found out his entire squadron had been killed.
The start of my story
After the war, my parents had four children. The eldest was my sister, then twin boys, and finally another boy. Their family was complete. But after feeling unwell one day, my mum found out that she was pregnant yet again with me! It was a total shock, as I wasn’t planned, but Rachel Cruz was determined to be here wasn’t she?
I remember dressing up at four years old, wearing my mum's shoes and playing shop and house with my niece. It felt quite normal. As the years passed, I continued to dress up in secret and would buy clothes, dress up, then would then feel guilty and would throw everything out. This cycle would repeat for many years.
I got engaged for the first time at 18 years of age and even got into bodybuilding. At 22, I weighed 25 stone and would train in the gym for three hours a night, six days a week, simply to escape who I truly was. When I was 43, I got engaged for the sixth time and was with my fiancé for five years, and I’d not dressed up in secret once. I had this beat.
My wedding day
The day of my wedding came and as I was standing at the alter with my best man, I heard the organist start to play. This was it. She stood beside me, she looked so beautiful she took my breath away. But from nowhere, I said to her that I had something to tell her. We excused ourselves from the priest and went into a room at the side of the altar.
I said to her that I couldn’t marry her, in order to be true to her and myself, I told her I was a transgender woman. I’d carried this with me for over forty years, and I didn’t expect myself to say it on our wedding day.
Life after the wedding
We went our separate ways and I got myself a flat on the very top floor of a tower block on the 25th floor. Over the following months I felt worthless, so much so I considered suicide. But from nowhere I thought someone has to find me? What if I survive the fall? Surely I’m worth more than this?
In November that year I became homeless. I walked around for hours that night, thinking about where I could sleep safely. I found some bushes down by Manchester ship canal and backed myself up into them, so nobody could see me. It was so cold, I couldn’t sleep. The next morning I registered as homeless with the council and they found me accommodation as I was a vulnerable woman.
The first day of the rest of my life, as Rachel
The day came and after passing an interview for a job, not just any job, but my first job as Rachel. I arrived at the office building and as I got to the front door, I froze with fear. This was to be the first day of the rest of my life. I took a deep breath, opened the door and stepped inside. Rachel was here and here to stay.
I now own my own home, have a great job, working for such an inclusive company that champions ED&I and I’m engaged to be married to my fiancé Michelle in September 2025. She proposed to me on Christmas Day 2022 (it felt so different not going down on one knee myself!).
So now you know why TDoV is so important to me and to my trans brothers and sisters worldwide. I would like to leave you with a mantra, that has got me through all of life’s challenges on my transitional journey.
You can rise up from anything.
You can completely recreate yourself.
Nothing is permanent.
You’re not stuck.
You have choices.
You can think new thoughts, you can learn something new.
You can create new habits.
All that matters is that you decide today, and never look back.
Thank you for taking the time to read my story.
Receive articles like this
Related Roles
Salary
Location
Bristol
Brand
EDF UK
Job Type
Hybrid
Department
EPR Engineering
Location
Bristol
Description
Aztec West, Bristol (hybrid working)Are you an experienced engineer with a passion for quality and a keen eye for detail? Do you thrive in complex environments and want to be part of a pioneering pro
Reference
99d80bf8-0e96-4ac7-897b-323e961f79e4
Expiry Date
01/01/01
Salary
Location
Bridgwater
Brand
EDF UK
Job Type
Site-based
Department
Hinkley Point C
Location
Bridgwater
Description
Hinkley Point C, Bridgwater. Are you a driven Assistant Project Manager looking for the next step in your career? Do you have good Problem-Solving skills with Technical knowledge?With excellent Comm
Reference
eaee0e03-6bb1-4043-bfc0-5e35e6d00d15
Expiry Date
01/01/01
Salary
Location
Bristol
Brand
EDF UK
Job Type
Site-based
Department
EPR Engineering
Location
Bristol
Description
Aztec West, Bristol, Hybrid, Minimum of 3 days a week in office. Are you ready to shape the future of nuclear energy in the UK? If you're an engineer with a passion for computer science. This is you
Reference
32026cfb-3cf8-46bd-b3ac-def746d8795c
Expiry Date
01/01/01
Salary
Location
Bristol
Brand
EDF UK
Job Type
Site-based
Department
EPR Engineering
Location
Bristol
Description
Aztec West, Bristol, Hybrid, Minimum of 3 days a week in office, with occasional travel to other sites. Are you ready to shape the future of nuclear energy in the UK? If you're a mechanical engineer
Reference
aca2d635-183c-40e0-a6dd-8a900908b021
Expiry Date
01/01/01
Salary
Location
Bristol
Brand
EDF UK
Job Type
Site-based
Department
EPR Engineering
Location
Bristol
Description
Aztec West, Bristol, Hybrid, Minimum of 3 days a week in office, with regular travel to other sites. Are you ready to shape the future of nuclear energy in the UK? If you're an mechanical engineer wi
Reference
fb92c9be-7254-4d24-8fca-51df00fafe29
Expiry Date
01/01/01
Salary
Location
Bridgwater
Brand
EDF UK
Job Type
Hybrid
Department
Hinkley Point C
Location
Bridgwater
Description
MEH ManagerFull-Time, Permanent. Contractual Location: Hinkley Point C – Minimum 3-4 days a week in office.Step into a pivotal role at the heart of one of the UK’s most ambitious energy projects. As M
Reference
6c8e6797-e9e9-4f5a-84d4-2eb7c417ed14
Expiry Date
01/01/01
Salary
Location
Bridgwater
Brand
EDF UK
Job Type
Hybrid
Department
Hinkley Point C
Location
Bridgwater
Description
Ready to lead the marine logistics behind one of Europe’s largest infrastructure projects? Want to shape the future of nuclear energy while helping Britain achieve Net Zero? At EDF, Success is Persona
Reference
4f70b692-f0c9-4f18-b2a3-917fee36d98c
Expiry Date
01/01/01
Salary
Location
Bridgwater
Brand
EDF UK
Job Type
Site-based
Department
Hinkley Point C
Location
Bridgwater
Description
Hinkley Point C, BridgwaterAre you an experienced Radiological Protection professional ready to take the next step in your career? Do you have a strong background in radiation safety, team leadership,
Reference
a7391689-a64d-4581-8fe7-a225d79ba0d3
Expiry Date
01/01/01
Salary
Location
Bridgwater
Brand
EDF UK
Job Type
Site-based
Department
Hinkley Point C
Location
Bridgwater
Description
Hinkley Point C, Bridgwater, Hybrid, minimum of 3 days a week in onsite. Are you ready to take the lead on one of the UK’s most ambitious infrastructure projects? If you’ve got a strong foundation
Reference
0a38f757-4581-4998-9cc7-dd0ae764a342
Expiry Date
01/01/01
Salary
Location
Bridgwater
Brand
EDF UK
Job Type
Hybrid
Department
Hinkley Point C
Location
Bridgwater
Description
Ready to help shape the future of nuclear energy delivery in Britain? Passionate about leading high-performing teams and driving project success across one of Europe’s largest infrastructure programme
Reference
964662bb-4d50-4b4c-87e3-ac0be6898dc8
Expiry Date
01/01/01
Related articles

Teaser
Life at EDFContent Type
Employee StoriesPublish date
24/07/25
Summary
Meet Rachael – Customers and Corporate Business Information Security Officer Rachael joined EDF with a wealth of experience in intelligence and cyber security, drawn by the company’
.png)
Teaser
Life at EDFContent Type
Employee StoriesPublish date
24/07/25
Summary
Meet Donald, a dedicated and inspiring professional shaping the future of cyber security at EDF. From joining as a Design Engineer at Torness power station in Scotland to his current role as a
Content Type
Employee StoriesPublish date
21/07/25
Summary
Want to build a career following whatever takes your interest, developing new skills along the way? That’s been Ee Jane’s story, since she joined EDF on the Science and Engineering graduate scheme
.png)
Content Type
Employee StoriesPublish date
11/07/25
Summary
Aoxue joined EDF in 2022 after finishing university and now works in the Supply Chain team as a Data Analyst. Read time: 3 mins What’s the journey been like going fro

Teaser
Life at EDFContent Type
Employee StoriesPublish date
26/06/25
Summary
As Armed Forces Month draws to a close, we take the opportunity to reflect on the significance of June for veterans, reservists and the wider military community and to celebrate the contributi

Teaser
Life at EDFContent Type
Employee StoriesPublish date
24/06/25
Summary
On International Women in Engineering Day, we’re celebrating the talented women across EDF who are helping to build a better, more secure energy future for Britain. This year’s theme ‘Together
.png)
Teaser
Life at EDFContent Type
Employee StoriesPublish date
03/06/25
Summary
We were Highly Commended for the LGBTQIA Network of the Year DIVA Award on Friday 25 May.Every year DIVA, the world’s leading magazine for LGBTQIA women and non-binary people, celebrates the a
.png)
Teaser
Life at EDFContent Type
Employee StoriesPublish date
05/03/25
Summary
At EDF we're marking International Women's Day 2025 by speaking to amazing women from across the business about what this year’s theme, Accelerate Action, means to them. L
Content Type
Employee StoriesPublish date
07/02/25
Summary
Hannah began her career in EDF's nuclear family with an industrial placement in Nuclear Operations, and she now leads the chemistry team for pre-ops at Hinkley Point C. Read on to find out how E

Teaser
Life at EDFContent Type
ArticlesPublish date
29/01/25
Summary
We're committed to fostering equity, diversity and inclusion within our workforce, and we're proud to share our progress.In 2021, we took significant steps by monitoring the diversity of our lea
Recently viewed jobs
Salary
Location
Bristol
Brand
EDF UK
Job Type
Hybrid
Department
EPR Engineering
Location
Bristol
Description
Aztec West, Bristol (hybrid working)Are you an experienced engineer with a passion for quality and a keen eye for detail? Do you thrive in complex environments and want to be part of a pioneering pro
Reference
99d80bf8-0e96-4ac7-897b-323e961f79e4
Expiry Date
01/01/01
Salary
Location
Bridgwater
Brand
EDF UK
Job Type
Site-based
Department
Hinkley Point C
Location
Bridgwater
Description
Hinkley Point C, Bridgwater. Are you a driven Assistant Project Manager looking for the next step in your career? Do you have good Problem-Solving skills with Technical knowledge?With excellent Comm
Reference
eaee0e03-6bb1-4043-bfc0-5e35e6d00d15
Expiry Date
01/01/01
Salary
Location
Bristol
Brand
EDF UK
Job Type
Site-based
Department
EPR Engineering
Location
Bristol
Description
Aztec West, Bristol, Hybrid, Minimum of 3 days a week in office. Are you ready to shape the future of nuclear energy in the UK? If you're an engineer with a passion for computer science. This is you
Reference
32026cfb-3cf8-46bd-b3ac-def746d8795c
Expiry Date
01/01/01
Salary
Location
Bristol
Brand
EDF UK
Job Type
Site-based
Department
EPR Engineering
Location
Bristol
Description
Aztec West, Bristol, Hybrid, Minimum of 3 days a week in office, with occasional travel to other sites. Are you ready to shape the future of nuclear energy in the UK? If you're a mechanical engineer
Reference
aca2d635-183c-40e0-a6dd-8a900908b021
Expiry Date
01/01/01
Salary
Location
Bristol
Brand
EDF UK
Job Type
Site-based
Department
EPR Engineering
Location
Bristol
Description
Aztec West, Bristol, Hybrid, Minimum of 3 days a week in office, with regular travel to other sites. Are you ready to shape the future of nuclear energy in the UK? If you're an mechanical engineer wi
Reference
fb92c9be-7254-4d24-8fca-51df00fafe29
Expiry Date
01/01/01
Salary
Location
Bridgwater
Brand
EDF UK
Job Type
Hybrid
Department
Hinkley Point C
Location
Bridgwater
Description
MEH ManagerFull-Time, Permanent. Contractual Location: Hinkley Point C – Minimum 3-4 days a week in office.Step into a pivotal role at the heart of one of the UK’s most ambitious energy projects. As M
Reference
6c8e6797-e9e9-4f5a-84d4-2eb7c417ed14
Expiry Date
01/01/01
Salary
Location
Bridgwater
Brand
EDF UK
Job Type
Hybrid
Department
Hinkley Point C
Location
Bridgwater
Description
Ready to lead the marine logistics behind one of Europe’s largest infrastructure projects? Want to shape the future of nuclear energy while helping Britain achieve Net Zero? At EDF, Success is Persona
Reference
4f70b692-f0c9-4f18-b2a3-917fee36d98c
Expiry Date
01/01/01
Salary
Location
Bridgwater
Brand
EDF UK
Job Type
Site-based
Department
Hinkley Point C
Location
Bridgwater
Description
Hinkley Point C, BridgwaterAre you an experienced Radiological Protection professional ready to take the next step in your career? Do you have a strong background in radiation safety, team leadership,
Reference
a7391689-a64d-4581-8fe7-a225d79ba0d3
Expiry Date
01/01/01
Salary
Location
Bridgwater
Brand
EDF UK
Job Type
Site-based
Department
Hinkley Point C
Location
Bridgwater
Description
Hinkley Point C, Bridgwater, Hybrid, minimum of 3 days a week in onsite. Are you ready to take the lead on one of the UK’s most ambitious infrastructure projects? If you’ve got a strong foundation
Reference
0a38f757-4581-4998-9cc7-dd0ae764a342
Expiry Date
01/01/01
Salary
Location
Bridgwater
Brand
EDF UK
Job Type
Hybrid
Department
Hinkley Point C
Location
Bridgwater
Description
Ready to help shape the future of nuclear energy delivery in Britain? Passionate about leading high-performing teams and driving project success across one of Europe’s largest infrastructure programme
Reference
964662bb-4d50-4b4c-87e3-ac0be6898dc8
Expiry Date
01/01/01