Another article on this from
Daily Mirror...
Nadia's mum won over by courage of her 'son'
TRANSSEXUAL Nadia has finally won the full backing of her family in Portugal - thanks to Big Brother.
Her mum, Conceicao Mendes Almada, 49, admits she has been moved by Nadia's "bravery" in appearing on the TV show.
She said: "I am really proud of her going on Big Brother. I really hope she wins."
Nadia, born Jorge Almada, left the Portuguese island of Madeira for Britain eight years ago because she wanted a sex change.
And Conceicao, a hotel chef, admitted it was hard to accept. She said: "When he wanted to change sex I felt a big disappointment. You would, wouldn't you?
"It's difficult for a parent. But I would never condemn one of my own children. I think Nadia was really strong in everything she did."
Nadia at 27 is the oldest of the single parent's six children and the others all live at home. But in the eight years she has been away, Nadia has only returned to Madeira twice - and never felt comfortable enough to stay with her family.
Now, though, her family is filled with pride for their new "TV star".
And Conceicao has followed Nadia's progress daily by going on the internet and reading the Big Brother website.
She said: "I think she has shown such courage in her life. She has been really strong, creating a life for herself away from her family."
Conceicao also revealed that Nadia never even told her she was going on the reality show, but called just before entering the house to say, "I'm off on a journey".
And it was only through a Spanish friend who saw the show that her mum found out.
Conceicao added: "I never imagined Nadia would be doing something like this, but you never can predict the future."
Last night Nadia, who was up for eviction, broke down in the Diary Room as she explained how much BB has meant to her.
And she revealed just how important her friends in the house - dubbed the Harem - had become. "What can I say," she said. "I feel that I've been accepted by people.
"I'm gonna miss everything."