Many here will have read some of Emma Finn's quirky stories. She had her own web site which I visited regularly, mainly to follow the expansion to her transformation story 'Cleaner'. Sadly, there was a message when I visited it a few minutes ago that she died on the 19th of this month.

She was a unique writer with a her own angle on all types of transformation and she will be sorely missed by her fans of which I include myself.

The last message can be read here : http://transformation-stories.blogspot.co.uk/

An interview with the brother of a murdered TS woman, followed by a cogent comment on the use of pronouns by family members.

Reggie Bullock Explains Why He Looked Up To His Murdered Transgender Sister

http://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2016/08/22/Pittsburg...

Post-Gazette.com
Pittsburgh researchers may have found 'cure' for some untreatable depression
August 22, 2016 12:00 AM
By Sean D. Hamill / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Ben Finder remembers when the depression first hit him.

I have been trying my best to make this blog super positive lately, and it helps that some good stuff is going on, but as the point of this little exercise is to be honest, I do have to share some not-so-positive stuff.

Right now, my biggest worry is my health. Now my pain levels have been slowly increasing again after a period of leveling off, but that's not really what's new.

This is for Australian readers because sadly I don't think the programs are available in other countries. If anyone missed 'Australian Story' on ABC television on Monday evening 15th August, it was about a 16 year old and remarkably mature transgender girl called Georgie and her attempts to make life easier for other transgender teens in their battles with the law and prejudice. She has a twin brother, but from a very early age she was absolutely sure that she was a girl. Lately she has 'come out' at her very supportive Melbourne school.

To the Team GB track riders.

After Froomey's bronze we were waiting with bated breath and they've delivered and in some style! World records, gold medals - it looks like the avalanche is about to begin!

Maybe it's the new even rounder Italian wheels but I think it's three Weetabix!

I'm probably the last one catching up on this, but I read that Brazilian transgender super model, full name Leandra Medeiros Cerezo who goes by the name of Lea T was riding the decorated bike that led in the Brazillian team during the opening ceremony. There are plenty of pictures on-line.
Bronwen

Yep its Yorkshire Day when we celebrate everything great about God's Own County from Hendo's to Whitby, rhubarb to Dickie Bird - well you get the idea.

Just to show a lack of bias, a happy national day to my second favourite place Switzerland who are lucky enough to share the day with Yorkshire!

Mads

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/jul/28/chelsea-mann...

They drive her to the brink of suicide, and now they threaten to add 9 years to her sentence and torture her the whole time for attempting suicide.

W.H.O. Weighs Dropping Transgender Identity From List of Mental Disorders

I think some of you may be interested in this. It's going to be difficult.

http://militaryadvantage.military.com/2016/07/commanders-hav...

http://www.politico.com/story/2016/07/nba-charlotte-north-ca...

NBA pulls All-Star Game in North Carolina over LGBT law controversy

By Nick Gass

The National Basketball Association is pulling the 2017 All-Star Game from Charlotte, North Carolina, after the state passed a law banning anti-discrimination protections for LGBT people and did not move to moderate or repeal it, the league announced Thursday.

I'll just be straightforward about this. I am alive because those at this site gave me a friendly place to come to pour out my heart, to cry and to become sufficiently distracted to stop actively thinking of killing myself. I was invited to come sometime in 2007, but had been lurking on this and other sites for year. My transition was so painful, like it is with most of us due to those here, I am alive.

No fooling here folks, the site has grown so much that I would not even want to think about it.

Mark made his fourth stage win in the Tour De-France Bike Race - Go Mark Go!

Attention Big Closeters !

I have learned that one of our own, a certain miss Andrea DiMaggio is feeling kinda down.

Please send her as many huggles as you can!

I know I promised many of you who have written that a new chapter Mother's Child was due out imminently. I'm sorry to say it's still not up!!!!! But it is nearly finished, and with veiled threat of tar and feathers being casually tossed around I am determined that it will be up, on or before next Monday.

https://www.theguardian.com/society/2016/jul/10/transgender-...

Samantha

But I just can't contain myself, the Pocket Rocket has done it again - no wonder Gaby can't get the better of her friend in the sprints!

The Badger didn't look too happy when he drew level the other day, now he's number 3 behind Cav he really will be dour!

And the boy McLay in third - maybe he will follow in Marks wheel tracks?

Is there more to come from the Manxman? I wouldn't put money against him getting closer to the Cannibal before things conclude in Paris.

The Tour de France (aka TdF) is underway - today sees the third stage up there in North-westish France. Leaving the D-Day landing areas and heading deeper into France.

The 16th stage of this year's race, 18th July, is a 209 kilometer long stretch that takes the riders across the border into Switzerland, and through some of this land finishing here in my home town of Bern. The finish line is almost exactly 1 kilometer from my home.

HOWEVER, there is a great fuss being generated by the 'cheaper' Press here.

Wales, that mythical country west of England have just beaten Belgium 3 -1 in the European Championships to pass through to the semi finals. As they weren't expected to qualify, I'm rather pleased for them. Will they go all the way? I don't know as I think Germany and Italy are still there, but it would be a real fairy tale ending if they did. Cymru am byth, as we say.

Estimate of U.S. Transgender Population Doubles to 1.4 Million Adults

My condolences to my neighbours in the west with the choice for BREXIT :(. *sigh* It's the end of a period /era that started with the Union of Coal and Steel (predecessor current EU from the late '40 early '50's). It makes me wonder about humanity future especially with 'reading' similar things to the 1920's.

And it isn't over yet ...

Lynne

For all those attending Gabycon this coming weekend 24-26th June here is some very important information.

The informal Friday evening meal will be at the Trumpet Major pub on the edge of Dorchester (Google still shows it as The Original Thomas Hardy Inn) - aim for Maxgate Hardy's house, it's practically next door. It's on Allington Avenue, Dorchester DT1 2AB for satnavs. Table is booked for 7.30, eat at 8.00pm.

Anyone who cannot make Friday but who wishes to join us on Saturday or Sunday should PM myself here through BC/TS.

A little recent Positive Exposure in mainstream media.