Month: December 2020

A million butterfly wings

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Hi, Well, I think we can safely say that 2020 was as much year to remember, as one we’d like to forget. 🙂 I am hopeful that you’ve escaped the worst of this year, be they issues around health (mental and/or physical), employment, or other matters. Looking back to last January, the idea of that there would be a global pandemic seemed incredulous…. and yet, here we are. One might say that we are where we are because some folk have decided not to believe the evidence or science, but then we’d be into a discussion on society and politics. Moving on…. 😉 This post has been somewhat tricky to write. How do you sum up all that’s happened this […]

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The one before the big day

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Hi, With us on the cusp of Christmas, I’d like to wish you all good luck during the festive break. Given the crazy times in which we find ourselves, I think we could all do with a day off from the merry-go-round. 🙂 I take hope you (and yours) remain safe and well, whatever you’re up to, and whoever you’re with. ❤️ I’d also like to express note of thanks to those of you who’ve visited and engaged with this little blog. With 2020 putting the brakes on so much, having a place to share thoughts and ideas has really helped, so thank you. On a blogging note, the time gain through not commuting means I have more creative energy […]

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Lessons Learned: Part VII – To pass or not to pass?

Lessons Learned, Uncategorized

Hi, In the last Lessons Learned I wrote about going out and the need for some self-belief to help make that happen. Listening to trans friends and reflecting on my own experiences, one of the things that can really hammer us is passing. For those not in the know, shall we aim for passing as appearing as your preferred/new gender and not being ‘read’ (spotted/outed/seen) as transgender. It’s not about tricking anyone, it’s often about personal safety, but there’s more than that. (Note: a slight edit to that paragraph. I’m not a huge fan of definitions – I’m more a story person – but I think we need to start somewhere 🙂). I think passing is a curious thing: an […]

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Lessons Learned: Part VI – Going Out

Lessons Learned

Hi, When it comes to be being somewhere on the Trans spectrum, there’s the question about going out. I’ve mentioned support groups and shopping previously, yet stepping out can be quite another thing, IMO. In some ways, getting outside feels like ability, confidence, style, and self acceptance coming together as one. BTW, I don’t think you have to have a full house on those, and – dare I say – you decide when you’re ready. Maybe you’re still learning to dress or find your style, and your self acceptance isn’t there yet. But, so what? You want to get out there, you do that. You don’t need anyone’s permission (unless you’re borrowing the car 😉). Sometimes, you just have to […]

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Our last one of the year

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Hi, Chameleons had the last meeting of 2020 the other day. Back in 2019, I’d thought it was going to be a party evening with plenty of friends, nibbles, music, and memories. Then along came COVID19 😁 Ah, life, eh? You have to make the best of what you have. Our Xmas Do was more a friendly chat, but better something rather than nothing. Besides, I think friends can help make the everyday special. We have survived as a group. We’ve branched out into the online world a little more, with both forum traffic being up, and a few folk giving our eMeetings a spin in between the regular real world meet ups. Last night was a quiet affair given […]

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The one about traffic

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Hi, A long time ago I used ride a motorbike to work. Due to a bti of bad luck, the bike engine packed up, so it was time to call the breakdown line. Cue a wait for the repair truck to turn up and while the operative did their best, not everything can be fixed by the roadside. I got a lift home in the truck as part of the service. As we trundled through the rushhour traffic, we were cut up by a car driver, the mechanic sighed gently. It was in that world weary tone that begats frequent wisdom, he said: “I think everyone who drives car should cycle, ride a motorbike, or drive a bus, just so […]

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