TODAY she's a fierce feminist, a human rights campaigner, writer and model - but life hasn't always been so easy for Paris Lees.

As she becomes the first openly transgender woman to be featured in British Vogue, here's what we know about Paris who pulled out of appearing on Celebrity Big Brother but will be seen on Celebrity Island...

Paris Lees decides to leave the island on Celebrity Island with Bear Grylls

Who is Paris Lees?

Paris was born male in the ex-mining town of Hucknall, Nottinghamshire.

Her dad, Daren was a club bouncer and former boxer, who split from her mum, then 17, when Paris was just a baby.

Her aunt and grandma helped to raise her, but Paris had a difficult childhood - hounded by bullies who kicked, punched and spat at her.

When she was nine, Paris moved in with her dad - and the pair had a tricky relationship, as Daren struggled to accept his son.

At the age of 16, Paris fell into gay sex work, as a 'rent boy', and robbed a client.

She was sentenced to two years in prison for the crime, and served eight months behind bars.

On release, Paris went to college to finish her A-Levels and worked part-time at a call centre, while continuing to work in the sex industry.

When her beloved grandma suddenly died at the age of 54, Paris moved to Brighton to study English at university - and start a new life as a woman.

She started hormone replacement therapy at London's Charing Cross Hospital, but struggled with depression and self-acceptance during her time at uni.

After graduating, she moved to London and did work experience at Gay Times.

Paris, who's never revealed her age, had facial feminisation surgery in 2012 - which was funded by her mum.

She now identifies as a bisexual trans woman and a feminist.

Thank you @Edward_Enninful for including me in @BritishVogue, and this special moment, with these strong, smart and inspiring women. As we celebrate 100 years since women have been able to vote in the UK, let's make sure we're fighting for ALL women. Our diversity is our strength pic.twitter.com/ve8M9wzfDw — Paris Lees (@parislees) January 4, 2018

Where would I recognise Paris Lees from?

Paris founded META, the first British magazine aimed at the trans community, and was the acting assistant editor of Gay Times.

You may remember her from past Sun columns - and can read her views on gender-neutral toilets here.

She also writes for The Guardian, The Daily Telegraph, The Independent, Vice and has appeared on Channel 4 news.

In January 2018, she was the first openly trans woman to appear in British Vogue, during a special shoot celebrating 100 years since women got the right to vote here in Britain.

April Ashley, one of the first Brits to undergo genital reconstruction surgery, modelled for Vogue in the 1950s.

She wasn't openly trans at the time, and was outed by the press in the 60s.

American Vogue featured trans model Andreja Pejic in 2014 - while French Vogue had a trans model, Brazilian Valentina Sampaio, on the cover for the first time last year.

Paris was the first trans woman presenter on both BBC Radio 1 and Channel 4, and produced an R1 documentary called The Hate Debate.

In November 2014, Paris appeared on Hollyoaks, playing herself, as the friend of transgender character Blessing Chambers - and was a panellist on Question Time a year earlier.

And she memorably slammed Keith Vaz’s "bloody cheek" when she was called before a Home Affairs Select Committee to discuss prostitution laws in September 2016.

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1 Paris Lees joins Celebrity Island along with some other major stars! Credit: C4 What is Celebrity Island with Bear Grylls and when is it on?