I wanted the first proper post I write to be about the people that inspire me. They are, after all, the reason I’m able to be here doing this. I’ve followed the stories of trans people on and off over the years and I’ve often been inspired by their strength, resilience and courage. Things I never thought I’d have in this respect. It is thanks to the bravery of trans people letting the spotlight shine on them rather than hiding away that the world is a safer and more accepting place. So without further ado, here are some of the people that have inspired me.
Ayla Holdom
Ayla is as brave as she is beautiful. Or should that be as beautiful as she is brave? It doesn’t matter: she has both in spades! Ayla was an RAF search and rescue pilot before, during and after transitioning. She is the perfect example that being transgender doesn’t define you: you define it. You can come out, transition, and carry on – even if the job you do is in a largely male dominated world. You don’t stop being you after transition: you’re just you in different clothes. If you flew helicopters for the RAF before transition, you carry on flying them after transition! Note: I said ‘was’ as Ayla has since left the RAF. She now flies police helicopters!
Ayla and her wife Wren were guests at the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s wedding (Ayla and Prince William worked alongside each other and became friends). Because of working alongside Prince William, her transition in 2010 was higher profile for the media and made very public by The Sun, in tabloid style. She had the strength to continue and now finding herself in the spotlight, has used it to raise awareness of transgender issues. She plays an active and supporting role within the transgender community and has won a number of transgender awards (along with my gratitude, respect and admiration!).
- Video: YouTube (3:57s) <- watch this!
- Blog: http://azl.me.uk
Charlotte Wright
Charlotte, and her partner Marie, are the two people I owe the biggest debt to. Katherine has followed Marie’s sewing blog for some time. Then one day she just happened to mention, by the way, my partner is transgender and has transitioned. Suddenly Katherine realised we weren’t the only ones. This was a real thing and there were other perfectly ordinary people out there, just like us. It was after this Katherine announced to me she was fine with the idea of me transitioning. By opening herself up to public scrutiny Charlotte opened the door for me. Thankyou Charlotte!
Naturally I wanted to know more about her. Charlotte runs a web design company with her business partner. She has blogged in detail about her transition which has been immensely useful, covering the ups and the downs. Recently she has filmed a six part video series for the nGendr project all about being trans.
- Youtube Channel: 30 Something and Trans