Fact or fiction?

Confronted with ‘alternative facts’, it’s reassuring to compare them with what we know to be fact. However, fact is not so easily distinguishable from fiction as the following extract  illustrates.

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

Confronted with the so-called ‘alternative facts’ of politicians and others in positions of influence and the deep-seated anxiety they can provoke, it’s reassuring to compare their fabrications with the truth of the reliable reality we call fact.… Read more

Fun with local politics

Inspired by the construction of an incongruous object, this fable explores the arcane workings of imaginary local politics. Inspiré par la construction d’un objet incongru, ce fable explore les arcanes d’une politique locale imaginaire.

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

the fun of local politics

A fable: It’s the height that counts

The pyramidal flying-saucer was perched atop a stout pole that resembled a launching pad.… Read more

Stories for the future

Carefully crafted stories can help stave off anxiety due to uncertainty about the future by inspiring individual narratives of ways forward.

Estimated reading time: 2 minutes

Reasons for being anxious

Anxious? It’s hard not to be. Just turn on the radio or the television or browse the Internet, the news is an unending tale of woe.… Read more

When is a girl not a girl?

The division between boy and girl is not as immutable as many would have us believe. Yet, in the rigid adherence to their beliefs such people can inflict great harm as this extract from Colourful People illustrates.

Estimated reading time: 6 minutes

The division between boy and girl may seem self-evident, biologically speaking.… Read more

From cosplay to crossdressing, a question of reality?

Crossdressing is a widespread practice that is little understood. The male-to-female crossdresser, who differs from a transgender woman, has a palette of roles to chose from. But what impact does this playing with apearences have on our relationship to reality?

Estimated reading time: 7 minutes

crossdressing

Playing roles

You could say we are all playing roles in our lives, if only by unconsciously limiting our behaviour and dress to conform with the expectations that go with a profession or a role as husband, wife, parent or whatever… But for some people the roles they play and how they dress for them are more consciously and deliberately fashioned and acted out.… Read more

King Cannot and the rising colourful tide

The colourful wave of gender diversity will ultimately triumph against those who would eliminate it, but care is needed to protect Colourful People from becoming victims of the change.

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

King Canute, the silly man

When I read about the wave of right-wing dominated legislations around the world scrambling to pass anti-LGBTQ laws (1), I’m reminded of King Canute, so sure of himself as he sits on his throne perched on the beach, water lapping inexorably around his feet, ordering the tide to go back.… Read more

Fact or fiction – colourful answers

So you don’t like fiction. Yet your lives are criss-crossed with stories of your own invention. Fiction has its advantages. It offers an intimate glimpse into unfamiliar perspectives like that of the Colourful People struggling with their gender identity.

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

Fact or fiction?

The following questions and responses were inspired by reactions to my newsletter entitled, A touch of colour – a new novel in the making.Read more