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

I said I had a mind to extend some stories, this is the first.

I wrote The Shoplifter in 2012 which has over 7,700 hits and 239 kudos, so it seems you liked it a little.

I've written a sequel which I will post soon, there will probably be another after that, which isn't written yet and will depend upon how much time I have to write, being a rather busy woman, I have squeeze things in when I can.

If you haven't read the original story, the follow up will miss quite a lot. Here's a link:

I'm reposting SNAFU which used to be on Sapphire's site but which has now become unavailable. I was asked to do so by several readers including our own Web Mistress. I have tidied up a number of typos and other mistakes, though Grammarly doesn't appear to recognise proper English (ie UK variety) in terms of spelling so it nearly drove me to distraction.

I'm rereading this wonderful story by Admiral Krunch which is one of my comfort reads. It has lots of laughs and also tears but it ticks all my boxes and I would thoroughly recommend it to those who haven't encountered it yet, but be warned it is addictive being well planned.

Here's a link to part one: https://bigclosetr.us/topshelf/fiction/2978/being-christina-...

I have just watched a DVD of the film 'Girl' by Lukas Dhont, with a phenomenal performance by Victor Polster as Lara a transsexual teenager who wants to be a ballerina. I found it moving, heart rending and uplifting and occasionally humorous. I don't want to spoil the plot but I do recommend you watch it.

It appears that there has been some controversy about it and using a CIS actor to play the main character, I think he plays it very sympathetically and authentically.

It's the anniversary of my son's death and I've been up in Wales. He used to work in the Brecon Beacons National Park so we go up there to feel near him. It's also a place of amazing scenery, wild life and geology and very popular with walkers and hikers. Today, the weather was very clear so we were able to see Pen y fan, the highest point in South Wales, the neighbouring mountains of Corn Du and the Crybin, all of which are over 800 metres and the Monmouthshire Black Mountains to the east.

Many happy returns to the creator of this site and one of the best writers here. I hope you have a super day.

Hugs,

Angharad