A north-east gender equality campaigner who was embraced by her colleagues in the fishing industry has been nominated for a National Diversity Award.
Justine Smithies from the Buchan coast village of Cruden Bay underwent male to female transitional surgery two years ago and was daunted by explaining her identity to her Peterhead colleagues.
But Mrs Smithies was overwhelmed when she was welcomed with open arms by a traditionally conservative and religious community.
Now the 43-year-old is working with national campaign groups to tell her inspirational story, and encourage employers to treat their staff with the same respect she has enjoyed.
Mrs Smithies, who has been nominated for the LGBT positive role model category at the 2016 National Diversity Awards, has said she wanted to “tell a positive story to tell people that you can do it”.
A black tie awards ceremony will be held in Liverpool on September 16 and is the largest of its kind in the UK. The initiative is backed by prestigious employers and celebrities including Stephen Fry and Lenny Henry.
Paul Sesay, chief executive of the National Diversity Awards, said “It is an honour to witness the extraordinary journeys of Britain’s unsung diversity heroes, and we will continue to recognise their extraordinary achievements during 2016.
“I know another fantastic spectacle of role models will be delivered and recognised this year.”
Mrs Smithies recently raised more than £2,000 from the Peterhead fishing community for a sponsored skydive which was inspired by her late son, Cameron.
She was also named as the keynote speaker for Stonewall Scotland’s LGBT employment conference where she received a standing ovation.