Friday, 24 May 2013

Television starlets in the making | a review

My television debut has been made! Collect your autographs while you can!

Jay and I appeared on television this week on ABC2’s Head First. The Episode was called the Wrong Body and covered what it's like to be transgender and make the transition from one gender to another.

I’ll be honest. My initial reaction to the episode was pleased but disappointed. The episode covered the experiences of people of all ages at different stages of gender transition, which was fantastic. It quickly seemed to focus on two people and left little time for others, including Jay. The episode didn’t include any footage from our third day of interviews, which happened to be the footage we were most looking forward to seeing. 
However, it was only a 50 minute television episode. You take what you can get.

The day after the episode aired, my reaction to the show was rapidly reversed by the responses I (and Jay) received. It was hard to feel anything but overjoyed that people had been so educated, informed and filled with admiration for trans people in general just from watching this episode. Facebook pages exploded with messages of support and love. Colleagues who I had never met emailed me to say how much they’d enjoyed the episode and to say how much they admired Jay and I for talking about our lives on television. Previously-held prejudices and ideas about trans people were thrown out the window. There were tears and hugs. People were grateful that transgender was brought to their attention so they could be better informed about it, especially as it is a very topical issue right now. People also acknowledged how difficult it may have been to talk on camera about such a personal issue, and it was very nerve-wracking!

Jay and I decided that if we could be part of this show and help just one person, whether they were a trans person or not, that we would be making a difference. 
Well, mission accomplished, and then some!

If you’re in Australia you can watch the episode on iview here. I think it will only be available for a few weeks so watch it now! I would really love it if some of my overseas followers could try out the link – I don’t think it can be watched overseas but if it’s possible, please try it and let me know if you can view it. I’ll leave links to this page on the right hand side of my blog and if it ever comes up on Youtube I’ll be sure to post a link.

Head First Facebook page

ABC Website -  Head First homepage

23 comments:

  1. I did take a chance and tried to watch the episode to no avail.

    I am so very touched and so very happy that you and Jay were able to have a positive experience after the episode aired. It gave my heart happiness for you both.

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    1. Thank you so much. It means so much to me that people who haven't been able to watch this have been so positively affected by it.

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  2. I've said it before, but I will happily say it again (and again and...) you two are truly such wonderful, inspiring, awesome people. I commend you so much for publicly sharing some of your story, and am so happy to know that you've been getting such an awesome response from those around you and online.

    ♥ Jessica

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  3. I will have to try and watch this. I wasn't sure, as you mentioned, if the US would be able to see it. I have time this weekend and can't wait to see your interview!!

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  4. Shoot! I just tried, but it wouldn't let me. Grrrrr!!!

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    1. I'm so annoyed my o/s readers can't view it! I'll be posting a youtube link as soon as/if it's available! Thank you anyway!

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  5. I can't see the TV episode either (USA) but I am happy it was produced and aired. And I am extremely grateful that you and Jay opened your home and lives to help educate others on this. Big hugs from Seattle

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  6. You both did amazing!! And you didn't appear nervous at all or anything, you did very well on camera! I'm passing on the link to a friend of mine who I think will get a lot out of it as well :) Just the whole documentary in general was brilliant though, I think it's something EVERYONE should sit down and watch. I do agree though, it would have been better if there was more of a focus on you and Jay.

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    1. Thank you! So glad an Aussie reader could give me an opinion! I really hope it helps your friend.

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  7. Oh I so wish I could see it! Alas! But I'm so proud and happy for you both. That is a big deal and I'm sure you've touched more people with your honesty than you'll ever be aware.
    Congrats again!
    -Jamie
    ChatterBlossom

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    1. Thank you, the reaction has been much bigger than I ever would have predicted.

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  8. I so hope this programme gets picked up and shown around the world, it clearly has touched and educated so many, which is so fecking vital! It's a shame not all your footage got aired; it must be so hard to be an editor though!
    The love and support you are both receiving right now is everything you deserve!!! May it never end!
    I see via the Facebook page that Jay loves her chillies-if you gals ever grace my shores, we'll cook up a firestorm for you!XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

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    1. Ooh yes please! We'll take you up on that offer! And thank you :)

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  9. wow, i'm so excited to read about the tv show. sadly there is no chance to watch this episode over here in germany. ... but i'm so happy to read that this show was a big success. congrats to you both.

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  10. It's WONDERFUL! Jay looks absolutely beautiful (and I LOVE her Mary tattoo!) and I guess they just had to edit and edit and edit... wish I could have seen you more of you and Jay though.

    All of the stories were fabulous (I love Riley) and the wonderful woman who had SRS at 68 is hilariously, bawdily fantastic.

    I just love that you two just love each other. That's the best part for me.

    Sarah xxx

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    1. Can't live without the old gal :) I've been thinking of doing a tattoo post soon. Thank you so much :)

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  11. I wish i could see this documentary but can't from Canada
    There is an excellent Canadian movie produced by Xavier Dolan, if you can get, and if it's subtitled or translated, it's about a couple, the man undergoes gender transition- The movie is called Laurence Anyways,the producer is Xavie Dolan - the movie won a prize at the Cannes film Festival - See if you could get it

    Ariane xxx

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    1. Thank you! I will definitely look for this film, it sounds interesting.

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  12. I wish I coud watch it, but I am proud of you both.
    XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

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