Affirming

Hello Dear Reader,

I’m going to warn you now that I’m stuck in procrastination mode, lost in thoughts of what I might write, while my brain plays ‘meh, delete’ on each idea. Ah, it’s going to be one of those episodes is it? Right oh. Well, let’s just keep a hammerin’ on the keys until something sticks eh? 😏

History

This week saw 80th anniversary of the end of World War II in Europe. Of course the Jones folk didn’t do anything for it. We didn’t do any street party or putting the Union Jack up. I’m sure we’ll now be on a list at ‘Deform’ HQ – assuming they know which end of the pen to use 😏 Maybe I’ll find a place that will create the following and buy one for the next event.

Instead, we listened to each other talk about what we’d read or watched about history of that terrible time, and how it’s a soft start, that creeps up and up. Part of me feels that I should not write about politics, or that I should not need to write about it. But then, when the outcome of rulings and advice – yes, it’s not law it’s just advice – actively seeks to discrimate against my family, myself, and my community; it’s kinda hard not to. We may come back to that in the next section – I should say, from a good news point of view, though.

Talking of news, I happened to catch Sir John Major being interviewed on the Today programme on Radio 4. I’ll apologise now if I haven’t transcribed his words accurately. Sir John was talking about the events that followed the destruction of Coventry and the subsequent attack against Dresden. I felt deeply touched by the following:

…and I paraphrase because it’s part of the speech he [provost of Coventry Cathedral in 1940] made. But he essentially made three points: one, we do not seek vengeance for what happened. We do seek continued activity to make sure we act against the tyranny we have faced. And thirdly, that what we need to seek is a kinder and a simpler world, at the end of this catastrophic war. And I sometimes reflect upon that third point. We don’t really have a kinder and more sympathetic world that we did before. And you think about the things we argue about and we discuss; it is totally out of kilter with those particular thoughts. So I think there is a great amount of work to be done.

Sir John Major, Today programme, BBC Radio 4 – 8th May 2025

I felt the weariness in his tone. That things could – and should – be better than they are now. I will add that it’s both 2025 and eighty years since the evil of the Nazis was overthrown. To listen to German represenatives talk about the history they faced and have come to terms with, was both enlightening, difficult, and yet ultimately, inspiring. I listen and I look, and I see how far Germany has come, and I see what’s happening in the US.

Perhaps the best thing that can happen is that people learn again that those at the far end of that particular political statement care not for us, but only for power. That they are corrupt and unfit to govern. That they hide their hate behind a banner of ‘freedom of expression’, while plotting and acting to actively deny other the same.

Coming back to Sir John’s words, there is a great amount of work to be done.

Trans rights – some good news

Some good news! Firstly, two out of the four local MPs have got back to the group around our [Nottingham Chameleons] concerns. I will not name names, but I will say top marks to the Right Honourable Members, Ms Whittome and Mr Naish for arranging converations. I’ve had conversations with Mr Naish and Ms Whittome’s is later next month. Both MPs have spoken at Parliament about the points raised and while we’re not yet back to where we need to be, there is some progress.

The second bit of good news is that the ‘pink star’ suggestion – as some people have dubbed the NC12 suggestion was defeated in Parliament. If you’re not aware the amendment NC12 (New Clause 12) to the Data (Use & Access) Bill which sought to require a persons “biological sex” to be recorded by public authorities such as the DVLA and Passport Office.

Chams

There was a slight moment of panic, as being a ditz, I had accidentially left the keys to unlock the Centre on the bed, during packing. Whoops! Thankfully, I had a spare set at the bottom of my handbag, so I could unlock and turn off the alarms. I did wonder if I would need to pop out and buy tea & coffee, but luckily Val confirmed she had a key to the group’s cupboard, so no trip out was required.

A quiet evening this time around. Sometimes holidays, family commitments, or even the weather keep folk from attending and we have a quiet one. I should add this is fine and no one should feel any pressure to attend. Sure, it’s great to see people, but we all have lives away from the group, so that’s all good.

I had bought a new dress – or more accurately, the same dress in a different colour – recently, and I double packed just in case. I also tried my new (to me) shoes I’d got from Vinted.

Yes, heels are rarely comfortable but these were at the better end of the spectrum. I was slightly surprised that they had a grip on the undersole and that helped with walking. Certainly less of that not-quite-enough-grip-against-the-floor-nerves situation compared to other items in my collection. 🙂A bargain from Vinted and a comfy-ish pair of new Clarks heels. I’ll take that as a win.

This week had also been a visit to the beauty therapist, who had worked her waxing magic of Dewookification upon my pins. So, despite a slight dip in tempreatures, I was glad of feeling more like myself, and less Sir Hairy of Lairy. Talk about ‘gender affirming’ eh? 😉 It really helps me just feel okay about who I am.

With fewer folk around, it was easier to catch up with what people had been up to, or what they were hoping to do. There was a bit of chatter about the EHRC ‘advice’ – as it’s not law, and I feel I need to emphasise that – and how it had affected people who are transitioning. Understandably it’s had an unplesant effect on family trips out and just day to day activties.

Come the end of the night, I was time for photos and Stevie pointed that my slip was showing. Or in older language “Arthur’s died”, which I couldn’t help myself from saying. I know, I should get help 😉

Val – cheeky as ever – caught both images on camera! So they’re here for your amusement. If I’ve put them in this post correctly, they should zoom in when clicked.

For the next Chams meeting, we’ve got Wigeroo visiting, so I’m hoping Nicola will be able to give the ginger ‘do a bit of a restyle and that’ll give me some other hair options. Not that there’s anything wrong with the current one; I think a bit of variety can be a good thing.

Stay fabulous!
L x