 Listening to music in the bath can be the most relaxing and energizing time of my day. My body isn't perfect, but whose is? It's taken me many years to get to this point. I'm proud of my hairy legs and my beard, and even my chest scars seem less embarrassing.
He plays with the fire,
Internalises pain. He hides the desire. Hurts when moons wane. He performs a role, Decided when born. Attempts to control. Too long, has felt torn. He plays the part well. He walks talks and smiles. He must be a girl And learn how to shop miles. It’s a complete lie, Opposite is his truth. Transition or die And this is his proof. He must be honest. Recall who he was, Before he was lost In the land of Oz. He’ll stand tall, be brave, And know what is fair. He’ll learn how to shave, And cut off his hair. Some people may laugh, Or say that it’s weird, And that it’s a farce, When he grows a beard. Though people aghast, It can’t go awry. He knows complete trust, Now this is his cry…. “I am made with perfection. I am me, no one else. I don’t need Psych attention. This is me in good health.” She dances in the dark,
Internalizes pain. She constructs the parts And brushes her mane. She pretends it’s fine. She can be the man. She knows every line. Yes, she understands. The parts already hers. She can walk, talk and grunt. Her butch cars, they purr. She can learn to hunt. But it’s so unnatural. The performance false. And what is factual? Her female heart’s pulse. She must be honest. Recall who she was Before she was lost In the land of Oz. She will now grow her hair, Learn the art of make up, Will care what to wear, And, daily, play dress up. And people may stare, Say odd things out loud. But she will not care. Instead, she’ll stand proud. And state with conviction With a voice that is clear, And without contradiction, Absolutely no fear…. “I am made with perfection. I am ‘she’, that’s inside. I don’t need your reflection. I hold my own sense of pride.” This second video was made in 2011 and was made for the launch of the Mindshare website (Mental Health Coalition of South Australia). I was much more confident when making this video and glad I had the opportunity to tell my story from a mental health perspective.
I made this video in 2009 and it was the first digital story I ever made. The writing of the story and recording the audio was an emotional, but very rewarding process. My father decided that he didn't want an image of him in the video, which was sad but I respected his wishes. I was very aware at the time, that just like I wanted to represent myself in a certain way so did he.
I love the Rainbow Family Tree website and I'm enjoying watching the short films that have been made and shared. They're as diverse as they are beautiful.  Sadly, I lost a friend recently. He was compassionate and kind, and became a fantastic Trans ally in my workplace. I will be forever grateful for his big beautiful heart, willingness to learn and share, and for the brave advocacy he dedicated himself to.
I made this artwork for him and for all allies who make a difference in our lives.  As a kid, I loved TV shows that were action packed and sometimes funny. I often imagined myself as one of the male characters. I wanted to be a person that solved problems and helped people.
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AuthorI am a Transman and an artist, and I am passionate about Human Rights. ArchivesGallery |
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