I read in the online Guardian that a fashion designer called Connor Ives concluded a February runway show with a tee shirt with the message 'Protect the Dolls' on it. The article says that 'dolls' is an affection term for trans women used by the LGBTIQ community. Perhaps I've been on another planet but I've never heard of it - has anyone else? Apparently the tee shirts are selling like the proverbial hot cakes which I guess can't do any harm.

Bronwen

It is with great sadness that I have to report the death of Karen Lockhart, the pen name under which Kevin Solime posted stories here on Bigcloset. I had the pleasure and privilege of helping him out with proofing his stories. Kevin had not been at all well in the last couple of years but amazingly he kept reviving when his cousin Sue and I were sure he could not come back. We always said he had 99 lives, but alas eventually they ran out. It is a consolation to know that he is now at peace. I recommend his entertaining stories to all readers here at Bigcloset.

Any Australian readers might be interested in a four-part tv program on ABC Me, yes that's the children's channel, at 4.30pm, Monday 30th March through to Thursday 2nd April in 30 minute episodes. It's about a young trans girl starting high school and doing her best to fit it and not stand out. Despite being told the school is inclusive, she had to use the sick room toilets since parents of other girls mightn't like her using the girls' ones. I'm guessing that might be just one of her problems. The lead character is played by a transgender girl.

Following on from my blog posts about Georgie Stone, it's sad to read that South Dakota House of Reps has passed a bill making it a criminal offence for doctors to treat transgender youths under the age of 16 with puberty blockers. Rep Fred Deutsch originally compared the treatment to medical experiments in Nazi concentration camps, although he's now backed off after widespread criticism. Many medical associations have expressed their dismay at the bill since untreated transgender youths are more at risk of suicide.

Just a brief note to let you know that I've just published the final chapter of "There is Nothing Like a Dame", the third novel in the 'Harriet' series. I tried to put 'Final' on the chapter number but whether this was the problem or something else, it didn't want to go onto the site. I've decided after all that it's not the last you will hear of Harriet. I feel sure there is one more book in the saga.

The groundbreaking and highly successful soap opera 'Neighbours' produced in Melbourne Australia for the last 34 years, will introduce its first trans character in September. What's more, the character is played by 19 year old trans actress and activist Georgie Stone. Stone pitched the character to the show's producers and worked with the writers on her guest appearance as a trans schoolgirl.

Hi Everyone,
To all that are following Harriet's story, I am currently recovering from surgery for glaucoma and it's hard to read and write since my vision is fuzzy. I'll post again as soon as I can. My advice is get your eye pressures checked even if you have no symptoms. Increased fluid pressure in the eyes damages the optic nerve and the change cannot be reversed. The changes are slow and pain-free, you won't know it's happening. I've been on eye drops and laser treatment for years, but finally an operation was the only option.
Best wishes to you all, Bronwen

Hi Everyone,

I'm sorry to report that the news on Karen Lockhart (Kevin) is not good. He is still in Intensive Care in hospital. After a brief time out in a general ward he had to go back to ICU. As before, your prayers and thoughts are appreciated. He knows that his friends in BC are thinking of him, and appreciates the good wishes you are sending.

Bronwen

Hi Everyone, Karen is still in hospital, having had a few problems which I'll leave to her if she wants to share with you (medical confidentiality you know). She's hoping to be out in three weeks and start posting again. She also sends her thanks to everyone who has sent their best wishes for her recovery.
Bron

To all who kindly read my stories and might wonder why they haven't seen a chapter about Harriet's adventures in a while - I fell over (sober I must add) and broke my arm - my first ever fracture. I can still type but the arm aches if I do too much. It's my prefered (left) arm. I've found that showering is especially difficult and I'm a very bad car passenger - there's a dent in the floor where I keep pressing an imaginary brake! If my marriage survives this it will survive anything.
Bron

With a name like mine, I could hardly avoid mentioning the great news that a Welshman has won the Tour de France! The only problem was that in Australia, the telecast ran until 2am most nights and 4am the final night! I confess I cheated and recorded the last two hours, but it was great to watch today. What a pity that they didn't play 'Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau' ('Land of my Fathers') at the closing ceremony, but with Geraint proudly displaying the Welsh flag, there was no doubt about where he came from.

My apologies to everyone following Harriet's latest story. There will be a delay in posting the next chapter, just a few days I hope. Sometimes other matters take up writing time, annoying though this is.
My sincere apologies. At least you weren't waiting for the resolution of a cliffhanger.
Best wishes, Bronwen welsh

I was so pleased to read that 17 year old Georgie Stone has just been announced as the State of Victoria's nominee for 'Young Australian of the Year'. At less than eleven years old she was granted permission by an Australian Family Court to take hormone blockers. As a result, and her subsequent appeals for people like her, young transgender Australians no longer have to go through the expensive court process to take blockers, although they still need to do so to get hormone treatment.

OK, this is just a bit of my warped sense of humour. I recently bought a copy of the original 1943 film 'Lassie Come Home' and decided to do a Google search about it. First, although it's set in northern England and Scotland, it was actually shot in the USA - not surprising I guess as Britain was a bit preoccupied with World War Two at that time and America hadn't yet signed up. Secondly, the title role which from the name is obviously a female dog (I won't use the b... word) was played by a male dog called Pal of the breed called a Rough Collie.

An apology to the loyal readers of "All the World's a Stage" - I'm not trying to drag out the suspense (promise!) but I may not post Chapter 51 today as it's not finished nor checked over. I'll try to post in a day or two, or by some miracle it might still appear today!
Bronwen Welsh