Wilton Manors, Florida, United States - Mark Cummings used to be a girl called Maritza, while Jessica O'Donnell was born a boy called Shawn. Until recently, neither could hide from their true selves, entombed by their bodies and unable to express who they really were.
Two years ago, the paths of these people crossed and they fell in love instantly. They say they are soulmates and find strength in each other after a a lifetime of abuse and discrimination.
Jessica even attempted suicide as a teen and her family all but disowned her when she finally told them her secret. On his part, Mark endured bigotry and prejudice throughout his youth.
Wrong bodies: Jessica was born Shawn O'Donnell (pictured, left, in 1985 aged 11) while Mark was born Maritza Perdomo (pictured, right, in 1975 aged 11)
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Now they are engaged and say their love is as powerful as that of any couple. They plan to wed next year.
"For years I thought I was a gay man," Jessica reveals. After years living as a man, she told her family that she was trapped in the wrong body when she was 35 years old.
She recalls: "It took months before I could finally tell my parents, but I didn't get the reaction I was hoping for. Only my grandmother really stood by me. Meeting Mark helped me to fully accept myself and love who I am as a trans woman."
Huge difference: Mark says he is immeasurably happier since his 2003 operation (right) than he was as a girl (pictured, left, in 1982)
Mark, an occupational therapist and bodybuilder, says: "If people want to judge us for our relationship I would say, what makes your relationship better than mine?"
Jessica says she feelt alienated and alone when growing up because people didn't see who she really was. When she met Mark for the first time, she didn't even realize he was born female. When he told her, she became interested and wanted to know more about him.
Mark adds: "To the outside world, we are a normal heterosexual couple. But being transgender, I feel like we are even more in tune with each other. Having been a female I can understand what Jessica is feeling and vice versa. We share this incredible bond, which is almost like sharing the same brain."
Musclebound: Mark was a bodybuilder before his operation (left) and has continued the sport since (right)
He admits that before meeting Jessica he was a virgin at age 48 and says losing his virginity to Jessica was "incredibly special" and unforgettable.
"Mark completes me," Jessica says. "Our relationship is the kind that people dream of - our first kiss was magic."
Mark adds: "I love fulfilling the role as Jessica's provider and protector. I love taking care of her - I call her my princess."
"For years I thought I was a gay man," Jessica reveals. After years living as a man, she told her family that she was trapped in the wrong body when she was 35 years old.
She recalls: "It took months before I could finally tell my parents, but I didn't get the reaction I was hoping for. Only my grandmother really stood by me. Meeting Mark helped me to fully accept myself and love who I am as a trans woman."
Huge difference: Mark says he is immeasurably happier since his 2003 operation (right) than he was as a girl (pictured, left, in 1982)
Mark, an occupational therapist and bodybuilder, says: "If people want to judge us for our relationship I would say, what makes your relationship better than mine?"
Jessica says she feelt alienated and alone when growing up because people didn't see who she really was. When she met Mark for the first time, she didn't even realize he was born female. When he told her, she became interested and wanted to know more about him.
Mark adds: "To the outside world, we are a normal heterosexual couple. But being transgender, I feel like we are even more in tune with each other. Having been a female I can understand what Jessica is feeling and vice versa. We share this incredible bond, which is almost like sharing the same brain."
Musclebound: Mark was a bodybuilder before his operation (left) and has continued the sport since (right)
He admits that before meeting Jessica he was a virgin at age 48 and says losing his virginity to Jessica was "incredibly special" and unforgettable.
"Mark completes me," Jessica says. "Our relationship is the kind that people dream of - our first kiss was magic."
Mark adds: "I love fulfilling the role as Jessica's provider and protector. I love taking care of her - I call her my princess."
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