A transgender woman has told how she was left feeling suicidal after suffering a decade of abuse and hate.

Gabriele Garita knew from the age of four that she was "different" and struggled with her gender identity throughout her teenage years.

She realised she was transgender at the age of 25, but it was not until six years ago that she felt ready to come out publicly.

Ms Garita, who lives in Mold, claims that she is often laughed at, shouted at and has been made to feel "worthless" by passers-by in the street just for being transgender.

She has now chosen to bravely speak out against the bullies in the hope of educating people and to give hope to others who may be LGBTQ.

"People have always made fun of me and have judged me and have said I am too feminine and that I am trying to be something that I’m not. It’s really hard being transgender and mixed race while living in Wales sometimes." She said.

"A lot of people know me where I live and are now accepting but I still find it difficult and struggle with some horrible and narrow-minded people. I have been called a freak while walking to the shops and will get people looking. Women will say 'you're not the same as us, stop trying to be a woman as you weren't born like us'. While young boys can be immature and men will shout things."

The 35-year-old told how she nearly took her own life due the constant discrimination she has suffered.

"It got to a point in 2013 where I was seriously considering taking my own life because of the constant pressure and hate I was receiving. It was just too much for anyone to cope with. I felt trapped and alienated all of the time." She said.

"People don't understand and not everyone will get who you are. And I do understand that people may find it hard to understand if they have never come across it before which I find common in Wales. But I will say people's attitudes have come on leaps and bounds since I first moved here when I was 17."

She said: "What stopped me from going through with the suicide in 2013 was the fact that I sat myself down and decided that I wasn’t going to be a victim anymore. And that regardless of who you are, your life is valid and you have the right to be here on this planet as much as the next person. I am so glad that I had this wake up call because so many other people don’t get to get a second chance with life.

"I think it is really important to speak up because there are so many people suffering in silence and even if you only help one person then that is a good start. I didn't want people to hate me so I kept it all to myself and just moved on as I didn't want people to think I was being dramatic. But it's important to stand up for yourself and I have developed more of a backbone now."

Ms Garita is urging anyone who is subjected to hate crime to report it so that action can be taken.

She said: "If you have been the victim of a hate crime I really do think that you need to report it because unless you do people will think they will get away with it and nothing will ever change. We are just like everyone in life and are trying to make the best of it.

"Don't hold it in - it is the worst thing to do and can be potentially dangerous. Speak to someone - it doesn't need to be someone you know, it can be a stranger. You need to get your emotions and feelings out."

The free and confidential C.A.L.L. Mental Health Helpline offers emotional support and signposting to local services.  If you are struggling with mental health you can Call 0800 132 737, text ‘Help’ to 81066, or visit http://www.callhelpline.org.uk/