I'm going to repost the three books that make up my fanfic Gaby in Dorset Trilogy here. I've agreed this with Mads who of course invented the
main characters that the story involves.but is different enough to show my take on the Gabyverse, a bit more angst and action all with my off-beat sense of humour. For those who haven't seen them before, do enjoy them, for those who have seen them, do enjoy them again. I'm re-editing as I go along so they should read slightly better.

I wish you all a peaceful, prosperous and healthy 2022. The fact that all of these can be magically achieved by reading stories here and commenting on them (especially my ones, natch).

May we finally emerge from the spectre of Covid in all its awful varieties and start to live again but also to be kind to each other.

Finally, a toast to absent friends, may we always remember those who are no longer with us.

Angharad, Bonzi and Whizz.

An article from the Guardian reporting that the 'equal treatment benchbook,' published by the Judicial College suggests more protection for trans people when in court including prevention of revealing original names and genders unless relevant to the case in point and the use of preferred names and genders where possible.

I would hope there aren't that many of us up in front of the judge, but who knows.

Sorry for those who are enjoying this serial but I haven't had a chance to write the next episode, so will post it when I can.

This fascinating article appeared in today's i newspaper and it concerns the history of transgender people and how the law treated them. Very few knew of a court case from 1968 which was heard in private and the details hidden away. It certainly affected the conduct of the April Ashley case in 1970 and is basically about the establishment elite giving the rest of us, especially transsexual people the heave-ho until the European Court of Human Rights caused Blair's government to amend the law.

I haven't posted a new picture of a dormouse for a while, this was one that escaped while one of my colleagues was checking a nesting tube and took refuge in a tree. The photo was taken with my phone and I have tried to enlarge it.

Taylor Ryan's, Bailey Saga, which starts with Summer of Bailey.

I was the one who suggested Taylor should post here and I'm glad she did, the saga is a detailed description of the tribulations of adolescence made worse by the background of gender discomfort and bigotry or homophobia from some quarters. Virtually all the main characters have a story to tell as Bailey grows as a person and grows up in general. It is a very well written series that brings into focus the roller coaster ride that is adolescence and one person's in particular.

A link to a Guardian story about someone they suspect was Klinefelters who was buried with grave goods of male and female, demonstrating they were respected by the community. My own thoughts as I read it were that the individual may well have been a shaman.

See link: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/aug/09/1000-year-old-...

The following link is to an article about someone's brother who was a transman and who died of ovarian cancer. The fact that the person interviewed is the deputy speaker of the House of Lords, shows that both transsexualism and tragedy know no social boundaries and a poignant reminder that even after SRS we often have reminders of our original biological sex which can cause problems and even kill as well as therapies for the new gender may increase some risks. Includes a piece by an oncologist who specialises in transgender patients.

I am beginning to wonder if Bike has had its day. It's interesting because when I stopped writing it for a year or two, I had regular pleas to start posting it again, but peculiarly, the people who lobbied hardest no longer seemed interested in commenting, so I presume they were no longer reading it. Comments are the only payment we receive as authors and I notice the number of reads and comments are dropping although the kudos stay about the same.

Do I continue posting Bike, or has it had its day? I am asking for your opinions.

In an interview with the i newspaper, author, Torrey Peters tells of the transphobia she experienced since being long-listed for a women's book prize.

https://inews.co.uk/culture/torrey-peters-detransition-baby-...

Unfortunately, I have a severe arthritic attack on my right thumb which is swollen and very painful and is making life difficult all round. I hope it clears up soon and I can get back to normal life - the pain is something else.

Take care.

Angharad

Cheerleading is part of the American identity and frequently used as a story device or plot on this site. But how much do those of us not actually involved really know about it. A new film claims to take the lid off a less than glamorous world of exploitation nastiness and the victims as always are women.

See attached link from the Guardian and see if you still want to write about cheerleading.

https://www.theguardian.com/film/2021/jan/26/a-womans-work-d...

An article from the Guardian which may be thought-provoking or even helpful to some. It suggests we are often too harsh on ourselves and that in order to be more kind to others we need to show ourselves a little more compassion. With the current situation of lockdowns, economic problems and risk of illness, it may be an interesting read.

https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2021/jan/06/silence...

These are hilarious tales about Marcie, a boy who accidentally discovered his inner girl and let it rip. They are so funny and well written, that I'd recommend them to anyone. So if you need cheering up, take a look at them, you won't regret it. And finally, thank you Kaleigh, for such a source of much amusement.

Here's the link: https://bigclosetr.us/topshelf/book/6447/marcie-donner-stories