Firstly, I would like to thank everyone
for taking the time to comment on the mission
statement. Finally, we have come up with a clear
statement that is representative of FTM
Australia, who we are here for and what it is
that we do.
FTM Australia has its first workshop coming
on the Monday 8 July at 6pm. Leo Turner from the
Andrology Unit at Concord Hospital will be
talking about testosterone.
Unfortunately, the Gender Centre has a very
similar workshop happening about a week after
ours. I am currently communicating with the
Gender Centre to avoid such clashes in the
future.
A few weeks ago, I participated in delivering
transgender training at ACON (AIDS Council of
NSW). The training included The Gender Centre,
SWOP, ACON and FTM Australia. The training was a
great success and hopeful these types of
sessions will continue in the future.
We have had a suggestion from a community
member that we focus some of our time on mental
health, depression, anxiety, social phobia,
isolation, etc. So the next few editions of
Torque will start a focus on mental health.
I need to say that depression and anxiety are
normal responses to major change and recognising
your difference can be very stressful.
In the pas anytime that I talked about
anxiety and/or depression my supposed support
people would say 'maybe you made the wrong
decision' or 'you made your bed now lie in
it'.
These responses were not only inappropriate
but also wrong! Transition is a very exciting
time but it is also very stressful and most of
us have built up a life-time of fears and
anxieties whilst living in the wrong identity,
as well as living in a society that does not
understand our difference.
So, if you have something to say on this
topic I urge you write in and let us know or
give us a ring.
Cheers Jack
Board Member FTM Australia
