Trans people have always been here, but too often our histories are hidden.
Have you heard of Jim McHarris? He was born in 1924 and socially transitioned in his early teens. He moved around a lot, but then decided to settle in Kosciusko, Mississippi. Unfortunately, other residents of the town soon discovered Jim’s gender history and he moved on once again.
Elagabalus was made a Roman Emperor at the age of just 14. The Emperor often wore wigs and makeup, and liked to be referred to by feminine titles. Elagabalus reportedly offered a large sum of money to any doctor who could give them a vagina.
“Maintain yourself, find your community who loves you for you and who wants to celebrate you. Being yourself as you navigate the world in a way that’s safe and authentic and good to you is going to help in the long run. Know that you’re loved and supported, that time goes on and more people will see us for who we are as we continue to advocate for ourselves.” Aaron Philip
Dr Manabi Bandopahyay became India’s first transgender college principal when she took up her post at Krishnagar Women’s College in 2015. She has often had to struggle for acceptance in her career but has succeeded nonetheless.
If you're a transmasculine person with experience in any type of sex work and would like to write about it, keep reading this post. Jack is a transmasculine person and sex worker activist and he's creating an anthology of writing by trans masculine sex workers (or former sex workers).
He'd like to hear from you. Contributors will be paid. Contact jackvioletparker@hotmail.com for more info.
Been offered your surgery date but not sure what happens next? If it's transition related surgery you're having, TransActual are here to help. Check out 'What Do I Need to Know About Surgery?' at https://tinyurl.com/TransActualSurgery
Each day this Trans+ History Week, we're featuring (at least) one trans person who has made history or who continues to make history.
If you've not heard of Lou Sullivan, look him up. He was an HIV positive, gay trans man and a community organiser and activist. He lobbied for gay, trans men to be given access to medical transition. He was visible so that other gay, trans men could see that they weren’t alone.
Trans inclusive healthcare starts with you. But don't worry, TransActual are here to help.
If you're a healthcare professional we now offer access to our highly rated introductory courses. We're running An Introduction to Trans Inclusive Care for GPs on Wednesday 29th May at 1pm. For more info and to book, or to find dates of other upcoming courses, go to https://www.transactual.org.uk/training
"Help, community, support, connection: it IS out there for us. And the more we fight to access it, the more empowered we will become to make the changes necessary for trans joy – which means trans health – to become the rule, and not the exception." Fred
“My trans siblings are the bravest and most determined, compassionate people I have ever met, and I honestly believe that together we can do anything.” Lex
Transphobic hate crime in the UK increased by 56% between 2021 and 2022 and a further 11% in the past year. Source: Home Office (2023)
(Accessibility: Black background with a person crying, text above is featured alongside source material. Text: Transphobic hate crime in the UK increased by 56% between 2021 and 2022 and a further 11% in the past year. Source: Home Office (2023))
“Non binary people need to be taken seriously. I have experienced more transphobia from binary trans people than cis people sometimes. Gatekeeping has to stop. ” Kim (they/them)
“There is an extreme lack of representation for young, Deaf, queer, Jewish, Asian, transgender artists. So, I decided to be my own representation.” Chella Man
TransActual's Focus On: Trans Health webinar sessions are now available for you and your colleagues to watch back. Listen to our expert panellists discuss trans inclusive primary care, holistic care, and care for older trans people and trans people with dementia. Health and social care professionals can request to access the recordings for free at https://tinyurl.com/FocusOnTransHealth
Need more surgery tips? Check out our new resource guide.
“I recommend lots of stim toys as stimming helps pain relief, along with contact with friends, comfort foods, and relaxed activities.” Read more surgery tips from the community at https://tinyurl.com/TransActualSurgery
Have you got your date for top surgery coming up? Have a look at 'What Do I Need to Know About Surgery?' for info on what to pack for hospital and for top recovery tips from the community. You'll find it at https://tinyurl.com/TransActualSurgery
“It takes a lot of thinking and courage to come out and define your gender as something else, especially outside of the binary. Therefore, trans people are generally pretty certain and we really don’t need anyone questioning us.” Fi
Self-determination for trans people is nothing new. Sir Ewan Forbes changed the sex on his birth certificate in the 1940s, announced his new name in the newspaper and legally married his wife. His cousin challenged the change for reasons of inheritance, but the judge ruled in Ewan’s favour.
"The first thing I think about when I wake up and the last thing I think about before I get to sleep is dysphoria. It also appears throughout the day, whenever I go to the toilet. Luckily applying testosterone is part of my morning routine." Eddie