I thought it might be of interest to Australian readers, and maybe others that one of the two Melbourne Victoria newspapers "The Age" today, 7th June published a half page photo on their front page of a 17 year old trans-girl Mia who has started to attend school wearing a girl's uniform. The accompanying article is quite balanced and reports that she is supported by her mother and also school staff members. She first wore a dress on a 'casual dress' day and there were some negative comments, but when the teachers learned that she is transgender they all wanted to know how they could help. The school celebrates International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia each year and they organised education for the students and staff about what it means to be transgender.

It was good to see a non-sensational article on this topic and I think there some progress in the general population's understanding of transgender and the difference between it and transvestism, drag queens and shemales. When one thinks of the change in attitudes towards gay people over the last twenty years or so, there is hope that by 2034 transgendered persons might become equally acceptable.

Bronwen Welsh