The author, his writing and more
“Real freedom is being free to be who we really are” says Épicène quoting Don Miguel Ruiz. But who are you? And are you free to be that person in public?
Estimated reading time: 3 minutes
The transgender association Épicène has chosen to highlight a quote from the Mexican author, Don Miguel Ruiz, who says (my translation), “Real freedom is being free to be who we really are.” … Read more
Colourful People, the fourth book of the Boy & Girl Saga is now available in paperback, hard cover and electronic format. Also available are free samples: Chapter One & Chapter Two.
So what’s the novel about? Here’s a very brief summary.… Read more
At the heart of the trans identity is a conviction that they have a right to assert and be recognised for a gender that does not correspond to the sex assigned to them at birth. What is the nature of this conviction and how does it stand up to being challenged?… Read more
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
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
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
The diversity of the stories I tell is too complex to be shunted into convenient, saleable categories, but there are identifiable underlying forces that characterise what I write…
Estimated reading time: 3 minutes
Each of my novels is born of the fountain of story fragments that are constantly bubbling up inside me.… Read more
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
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
Trust or the absence of it can make or break someone when young especially if sexuality is involved. In this letter, Kate talks to a friend about trust, abuse and gender identity. These letters were written in August 1960 between the end of In Search of Lost Girls and the beginning of We Girls.… Read more
When you meet someone in the street in a French-speaking country, it is polite to address the person by saying “Bonjour Monsieur” or “Bonjour Madame”. This entails two things. Firstly, you need to identify whether it is a man or a woman.… Read more
As a novel writer, people’s names are important. A character called Imogen is hardly likely to react the same way as one called Lucie. Just say the two names out loud. The different sounds immediately conjure up contrasting traits.… Read more