Gender: being true to yourself?

Under the common banner of LGBT, the first 3 categories are about sexual orientation, whereas the T is about gender identity. This difference has far reaching implications as does the diversity of identities and expressions cohabiting as transgender.

Estimated reading time: 5 minutes

gender identity

A fraught assumption

Out walking I had a long conversation with someone about gender.… 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

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

Adding a touch of colour…

When a boy who dresses as a girl, but has no wish to transition, is confronted with a boisterous crowd of transgender youth in search of a safe haven.

Estimated reading time: 2 minutes

From a boy lost in a book to…

At the beginning of October last year I started writing The Boy in the Book, fascinated by the way we move in an out of stories of our own and others’ making.… Read more

Constellations of mind

A person’s mental make-up constitutes a changing constellation of characteristics. These depict the workings of their mind, their behaviour, their relationship to others and their competences. Certain characteristics are considered superior because they render people better adapted to function in society.Read more