Transgender

I think I speak on behalf of any gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender Australian who lives in the suburbs of our big cities: being able to express who you are freely and without fear of judgement - or worse yet, fear for your safety - just because you are different is still an issue.

The controversy surrounding Parramatta Council’s homophobic approach to the allegedly “offensive’’ banners at Twenty10’s stall during the Rediscover the River event, only serves to exacerbate that issue.

Although I’ve lived in the Parramatta Council area - the gateway to western Sydney - since I was 11, it wasn’t until I became a journalist with the Parramatta Advertiser a year ago that I really saw it as gay-friendly and progressive.

Continue reading "Parra matters for gay people as much as the inner city" »

Early in the year Lt Col Malcolm McGregor went to a Sydney doctor and ordered him to, “Completely eliminate this man.”

The man was himself, and the order was obeyed.

Now, Lt Col Catherine ‘Cate’ McGregor is in his place as a brilliant and important thinker and political strategist in the Australian Army. She also is one of about six members of the Defence force who have undergone a gender change and are still serving. Ostensibly the only alteration has been in the cut of the uniform and the replacement of “sir” with “ma’am”. She is part of a band of brothers…and sisters.

Continue reading "Coffee with my mate Cate (who used to be Malcolm)" »

Aussie runway model Andrej Pejic is one gorgeous specimen. With strikingly good looks and legs that go on forever, the Serbian-born beauty has caught the eye of every fashion designer on the planet. Looking fabulous in floor length gowns is no challenge for the 19-year-old supermodel but there’s just one thing that differentiates Pejic from other models on the catwalk - Andrej Pejic is a man.

Pejic’s knack for modelling both men’s and women’s clothing has sent the well-kept feathers of the fashion world flying. International designers have all clamoured to use his androgynous look while the glitterati flock to catch a glimpse of ‘the chick who is actually a dude’.

I love seeing Pejic looking incredible in mini-skirts and corseted bustiers. Heck, I would kill for his legs. What I don’t love however, is seeing him waltzing down the runway in clothes that are supposedly designed for women.

Continue reading "You’re a beautiful (wo)man but get off the catwalk" »

An upstart Thai airline recently revealed that it had begun hiring “third sex” staff. By third sex, the airline means trannies. Pre-op, post-op, they don’t appear all that fussed; apparently they’re an inconclusive mob over there at PC Air.

A win for the rights of transgender and transsexual people the world over? Hmm. I’m 30. Not so young, but certainly so, so cynical.

I’m guessing that the airline name comes from the initials of the founder, Peter Chan, although in the West, PC has connotations centred on computers. And politics. The later, no doubt, underpins the temptation to rejoice.

Continue reading "The mile high club just got a whole lot weirder" »