Transvox

Yep - you read it right...!

A chance to talk about different types of relationships and how the trans+ community is part of forming and enjoying different types of relationship experiences.

We chat to Athena Wride who has extensive experience in this area and who throws a light on the subject, showing how all forms of difference have a place in our community and in the wider society.

A light trigger warning for those that may find this content disturbing.

Hope you enjoy and find this useful.

You can donate to support the work on the podcast or to help build the ‘hardship fund’ at @BeyondReflections - to help those who are financially challenged but still need support

You can submit questions to [email protected]

Gillian and Jenny discuss the report by Dr. Hilary Cass on gender identity services for young people at the Tavistock. They both express concerns about the report's recommendations and the language used, which they agree is potentially misleading. They also discuss the ongoing debates surrounding trans rights and the toxicity from groups opposing trans people. They are particularly concerned about the strategic framing of the issue of puberty blockers for young people, suggesting it could be a Trojan horse for future legislation.

They refute the report's claims, stating that being trans is not a mental illness and whilst there can be a correlation between trans identity and neurodivergence one does not cause the other.  Gillian pointed out that treating trans people had positive affects and that something like 50-100 research papers had been ignored to produce the Cass report. Gillian argued that the current research approach is reminiscent of tobacco companies sponsoring positive research on the effects of cancer on cigarettes.

They suggest that the best way to effect change is through contacting MPs, as political pressure was the only avenue for influencing decision-makers. Jenny expressd frustration about the hostile environment created by extreme views within their community but remains hopeful about the resilience of their community and the potential support from allies and young people.

Gillian suggests that the Labour Party, given their current position, could be more open to positive changes for the trans community. Jenny agrees, highlighting her own experiences with supportive MPs within the Labour Party. They also note the growing focus on anti-trans messaging within the Conservative Party and the potential negative impact on their polling.

They also discus the challenges faced by trans individuals, particularly in terms of visibility and acceptance. They emphasise the need for continued advocacy and pushing back against misinformation and prejudice.

They acknowledge the ongoing struggles against prejudice and bullying, particularly in the UK and America, but express hope in the younger generations' acceptance and support. They also are hopeful about the need for continued advocacy and support for causes such as gender and disability rights. Both agreed to maintain a positive outlook and continue to support each other through these challenging times as should we all.

Hope you enjoy and find this useful.

You can donate to support the work on the podcast or to help build the ‘hardship fund’ at @BeyondReflections - to help those who are financially challenged but still need support

You can submit questions to [email protected]

This week Gillian meets Stevie Corbin-Clarke and Katie Munday to talk about a new project to investigate and find out about trans+ experiences of Cancer services. The ‘Whatever it Takes’ project is a vital part of work to help many communities to have their needs more effectively met and Bournemouth University in collaboration with a range of organisations have created a new community-led research process that is generating amazing insights from the work they are carrying out.

This is a unique chance to get involved with the creation of better services for trans+ people, particularly with regard to cancer care.

Stevie emphasises the need for lived experience in research, pointing out that while cisgender researchers may have knowledge and professional experience, they cannot understand the daily experiences of trans individuals. She also mentioned her work with various organisations to uplift and champion the experiences of trans people, highlighting the significance of including their voices in discussions.

Katie outlines that the workshops are open to all individuals on a cancer journey, including those who have had cancer, are currently undergoing treatment, or have loved ones affected by cancer. Katie emphasises that the focus is on the entire cancer journey, not just specific stages or experiences.

Stevie shares the progress of their ongoing project, which is halfway through. They outline plans for upcoming workshops, pride events, and other initiatives to get access to people to input into the research in creative and engaging ways.

Katie outlines the process for others who wish to join or help, emphasising the importance of accessibility and the team's availability through various channels. Katie also highlights their plan to attend several events, including National Institute of Health Research Bus and Pride events, to engage with our community. They emphasise the value of personal assistance, such as bringing a partner or assistance dog, and the positive impact of their previous workshops.

Useful links:

Project page with blog: https://involvingpeople.org/project/tacc/

Direct link to Google Form submission box: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSelPoiKVsGPBGssRxR6iYWikwA6ku8MrK0W2DaEK7ZuIOwRLA/viewform

Hope you enjoy and find this useful.

You can donate to support the work on the podcast or to help build the ‘hardship fund’ at @BeyondReflections - to help those who are financially challenged but still need support

You can submit questions to [email protected]

This week Gillian and Jenny discuss the Transgender Day of Visibility that takes place internationally on the 31st March. It’s a chance to celebrate those people who are visible on our behalf as well as how we can all be defiant in the face of negativity and challenge by being ourselves and ‘turning up and turning out’. As always, there is agreement and disagreement as well as some people each of them find inspirational. The final conclusion is that TDOV is a great day to remember who you are and, whatever the journey, just experiment with being a little more visible….(whilst being suitably cautious…!)

Hope you enjoy and find this useful.

You can donate to support the work on the podcast or to help build the ‘hardship fund’ at @BeyondReflections - to help those who are financially challenged but still need support

You can submit questions to [email protected]

This week Gillian and Jenny review what’s in the news - including the reports in the mainstream media about the waiting times for Gender clinics as well as the news that Puberty Blockers are going to be withheld except for research purposes. Whilst the news isn’t the best, there’s an attempt (as always) to finish on a positive note…!

Hope you enjoy and find this useful.

You can donate to support the work on the podcast or to help build the ‘hardship fund’ at Beyond Reflections (https://beyond-reflections.org.uk) - to help those who are financially challenged but still need support

You can submit questions to [email protected]

This week Gillian meets with the talented Joseph Harwood who regularly drops by for a chat. https://www.josephharwood.com

Jospeh and Gillian start out in the first of an irregular series about make-up and this week is a deep dive into skin care regimes…some really interesting tips and strategies for trans+ people whatever their budget - as well as how to deal with common problems including acne and open pores.

As always, Jo is an amazing source of expertise as well as pure joy and this episode just flies past…!

If you want to see what makeup can achieve on a face, have a look at their website and be amazed..!

Hope you enjoy and find this useful.

You can donate to support the work on the podcast or to help build the ‘hardship fund’ at Beyond Reflections (https://beyond-reflections.org.uk) - to help those who are financially challenged but still need support

You can submit questions to [email protected]

This week Gillian and Jenny discuss something that perplexed Gillian for a while - the whole subject of names, what they mean, how to choose one and how to ’sit’ with a name until you feel comfortable with it.

As always, the conversation does wander around somewhat and they do end up sharing popular names, but do manage to avoid any reference to Klingon or other weird Star Trek names.

Hope you enjoy and find this useful.

You can donate support the work on the podcast or to help build the ‘hardship fund’ at Beyond Reflections (https://beyond-reflections.org.uk) - to help those who are financially challenged but still need support

You can submit questions to [email protected]

This week Gillian discusses with Dee Constantine and Carly Arnold from Southampton City Council Fostering Service, the options for trans+ people and the wider queer community to be able to foster or adopt.

They discuss the current scheme in the Southampton (UK) area which seems particularly inclusive and innovative in that they assess for suitability based on ‘parental capacity’ rather than gender or hetro-normative examples or other societal methods.

They discuss many of the myths and options in fostering as well as providing contact details (which can be found below) so that people can explore how fostering and adoption can help create new opportunities and family structures for trans+ people.

If you feel that fostering might be for you, please contact the friendly recruitment team who will be happy to have an informal chat.

Fostering Service

Southampton City Council

Tel: 0800 519 1818

Email: [email protected]

www.southampton.gov.uk/fostering

Like our Facebook page, @fosteringsouthampton

You can donate support the work on the podcast or to help build the ‘hardship fund’ at Beyond Reflections (https://beyond-reflections.org.uk) - to help those who are financially challenged but still need support

Hope you enjoy and find this useful.

You can submit questions to [email protected]

This week Jenny and Gillian discuss the subject of ‘the blues’ or Low Mood - one of them is ‘down’ and they discuss the situation, what might be causing it and the effects of ’toxic positivity’ or the need to pretend everything is ok all the time….

You can donate support the work on the podcast or to help build the ‘hardship fund’ at Beyond Reflections (https://beyond-reflections.org.uk) - to help those who are financially challenged but still need support

Hope you enjoy and find this useful.

You can submit questions to [email protected]

This week Jenny and Gillian discuss a listener question about how to deal with a family event. This was a challenge as the relative had asked our listener not to present as a trans woman at a funeral where most people did not know of her decision to transition. As usual Jenny and Gillian discuss the whole issue and share experiences and hardly get distracted at all…!

You can donate support the work on the podcast or to help build the ‘hardship fund’ at Beyond Reflections (https://beyond-reflections.org.uk) - to help those who are financially challenged but still need support

Hope you enjoy and find this useful.

You can submit questions to [email protected]