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We met Fox at the Cardiff pride event; you only need to spend a short time with this guy to realise he's such an inspiration.
We met Fox at the Cardiff pride event; you only need to spend a short time with this guy to realise he's such an inspiration.
When did you know that you were Transgender?
From an early age I knew I was different but I couldn't place it. I hated wearing dresses and skirts and tights and frills. My sister would cut my hair really short and from around 6 to 9 I would play with other kids at the supermarket and they'd think I was a boy. I remember hating saying my birthname. I had a fight with some boys when I was 10 and one of them threw a rock which split my eyebrow. It required stitches and all the boys were frogmarched round to my house to apologise. They all said they thought I was a boy. I was very depressed before puberty but eventually resigned myself to it. I had a 'devil may care' attitude for most of my teenage years as I wanted to separate myself from my body. I identified with genderqueer when I heard the term about 12 years ago. I started to medically transition when I was 29 (ie, hormones), but I had been thinking about it on and off for ten years.
Who did you talk to first in regards to your transition?
I talk to my flatmate and good friend Kate (a fellow creative and LGBT ally). I felt a lot of shame about saying the words out loud. I found it really hard. When I first started telling friends, I was asked 'Are you sure?' quite a lot. Of course I am sure. I am so sure I am actually verbalising something I've been rustling up the balls (pun intended) to do for the past decade.They also said, 'I'm really going to miss *insert birth name here*'. I wanted to tell them that I'm not dying, I'm just becoming a much happier, more comfortable 'me'.
I talked to one of the few transguys I knew, who has been transitioning for over 8 years. He helped me so much and gave me the confidence to more forward with things.
I talked to my girlfriend and she very quickly bailed on me. At the time, I was upset, but I've found that when you transition, the whole world transitions with you. And the new people who come into your life have the biggest hearts.
Where did you get information/support from in regards to your transition?
I went to see my local GP, who referred me to a local Psychologist to assess me. Then they referred me to Charring Cross Gender Identity Clinic. The time until my first appointment was 10 months.
I found the most support online, on youtube channels. I started my own and still spend hours looking at other people's journeys.
How has appearing on MTS changed your life?
Taking part in MTS has opened up a whole new world for me. I feel so much more connected. Now I am further down with my transition, I am in a better position to help others. I am so grateful that I get to travel around the country meeting with other societies and groups and taking part in events. Together, we have strength and our visibility is helping to make changes. Together we are standing up to the media with Trans Media Watch, who invited me to the BBC twice to chat with employees. Sarah and I are making a trans-themed children's book which is being pushed for by the secretary general of the National Union of Teachers. Next month I am designing for META magazine (UK's first national trans-mag). I am a proud patron for Gendered Intelligence and Transgender In Wales. The future looks very exciting indeed.
