A transgender caretaker at a Wellington school has been using her musical talents to brighten up the kids' days.
Molly Mason was born as Michael, but soon discovered she was a female born in a man's body.
"I believe I'm a woman, and I associate as a woman, so I live my life as a woman," Molly told TVNZ1's Seven Sharp.
Molly has a love of music that began when she was just six.
Now, in her role as caretaker at a Wellington school, she uses her talent to good effect by beat boxing with the kids at lunchtime.
"When I realised that beat boxing and making sounds was something I couldn't live without, that was it, nothing else mattered."
However, to be this woman - that little boy Michael, had a fight on his hands.
"I got bullied from primary school right through until the day I left college and left Blenheim."
Molly is now proud to be transgender and says the stage is her safe place. She performs as her drag alter ego called Bette Noir.
"Anything that makes me sad, makes me worried, makes me scared, anything that I find stressful, it's not there, it's gone."
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