Anna's PlaceBlog
Welcome to my blog, which I started way back in December 2002 - long before social media was a thing! With the advent of Facebook, Twitter etc. I don't write that often here now, but you never know when I might feel the urge to do so.
Sunday, November 30, 2003
I'm still out in Thailand (see my GRS Diary) but while checking my email I noticed the following message from the Gender Trust:
- The Queens Speech
You may well be aware that the Queen's Speech and the news around it has not mentioned the Gender Recognition Bill as we had anticipated. However there follows the text of an email from Judith Hayton at the Gender Recognition Division of the Department for Constitutional Affairs today.
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There has been some concern following the Queen's Speech that the Gender Recognition Bill was not included and the implications of this. The Queen's Speech does not list all the new legislation that the Government intends to bring forward in the coming session. Rather, it is used to outline the main themes and largest Bills to be introduced.
Although it wasn't included in the speech, the Gender Recognition Bill is included in the Government's legislative programme and it is still the intention to introduce the Bill as soon as possible in the new session. A further update email will be sent out once the Bill is introduced to Parliament.
More information on the stages of legislation is available from the Parliament website at
http://www.parliament.the-stationery-office.co.uk/pa/ld199697/ldinfo/ldstgleg.htm
Judith Hayton
Gender Recognition Division
Department for Constitutional Affairs
www.dca.gov.uk/constitution/transsex/index.htm
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As soon as we have any sign of the Bill being introduced into the House of Lords we will let you know.
The Gender Trust
www.gendertrust.org.uk
A special message for the bigots of the Evangelical Alliance. Tough Luck - you're time is over. The Lord, and common sense and justice - will soon prevail over the bigotry you show in His name.
Saturday, November 22, 2003
Just a quick note to say that my surgery last Friday went well with no complications and I'm doing fine. I'm now recuperating in the Mercure Hotel in Thailand, and enjoying the experience immensely, despite the inevitable pain and discomfort.
I'm hoping to start publishing an account of my experience on my GRS page soon. Keep an eye on it if you want to know what's involved...
Tuesday, November 11, 2003
I'm just about to fly. See ya soon!
Empathy, pain and separation from those we love
Sunday, November 09, 2003
The Church service this morning was a moving experience for two reasons - not only is it Remembrance Sunday today, but also the last service I'll attend before my surgery next Friday. Everyone there was wonderful to me, and I felt so at peace.
I've spent this afternoon packing and sorting out everything that needs doing before I left - it seems almost neverending, but I think I'm finally there now. I also had a lovely surprise this afternoon - a present from one of my housemates and his girlfriend. I was nearly in tears, and gave him a big hug to say thank you!
Tonight I'm planning to visit friends and say some goodbyes before flying on Tuesday. It's a strange feeling, knowing my dream is so close...
On a sadder note, it's my Dad's birthday today. Earlier this week I sent him this card:
Inside I wrote a short note telling him of my surgery, and asking him to pray for me:
Dear Dad,
I know you don't feel able to have any contact with me at the moment. That saddens me, but I do understand.
On Tuesday evening I'm flying out to Thailand with a close friend for my reassignment surgery next Friday (the 14th). Please don't worry - the surgeon I've chosen is one of the best in the world, and the risks are low.
I should be back in the country on 11th December, and will be staying with my friend Susie in Kent for a few weeks to recuperate.
I hope you'll feel able to pray for me as my big day approaches. I want you to know that you're in my heart and I'm thinking of you.
I've changed so much Dad, and I hope in time you'll want to get to know the person I really am.
Love and God Bless,
Anna
I know you don't feel able to have any contact with me at the moment. That saddens me, but I do understand.
On Tuesday evening I'm flying out to Thailand with a close friend for my reassignment surgery next Friday (the 14th). Please don't worry - the surgeon I've chosen is one of the best in the world, and the risks are low.
I should be back in the country on 11th December, and will be staying with my friend Susie in Kent for a few weeks to recuperate.
I hope you'll feel able to pray for me as my big day approaches. I want you to know that you're in my heart and I'm thinking of you.
I've changed so much Dad, and I hope in time you'll want to get to know the person I really am.
Love and God Bless,
Anna
I'm sad to say I haven't heard from him today. Quite frankly I'm not surprised, but I am sad and hurt. Maybe one day...I hope so.
Friday, November 07, 2003
Well, my surgery starts exactly a week from now. I suppose should be feeling nervous, but oddly I'm not...maybe the nerves will strike when the Thai nurses come to escort me to theatre, or the night beforehand when they clean me out (don't ask!).
Right now all I feel is elation and a sense of wonderment. I'm finally going to be whole.
