Title

Port Fairy, VIC

09/09/21

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit, sed diam nonummy nibh euismod tincidunt ut laoreet dolore magna aliquam erat volutpat. Ut wisi enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exerci tation ullamcorper suscipit lobortis nisl ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis autem vel eum iriure dolor in hendrerit in vulputate velit esse molestie consequat, vel illum dolore eu feugiat nulla facilisis at vero eros et accumsan et iusto odio dignissim qui blandit praesent luptatum zzril delenit augue duis dolore te feugait nulla facilisi.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, cons ectetuer adipiscing elit, sed diam nonummy nibh euismod tincidunt

Leigh

Warrnambool | Eastern Maar & Gunditjmara Country

16/12/2021

I guess it has been a difficult road. Being an ‘older transitioner’ and being rural, I didn't have access to knowledge of LGBTQI+ people as I was growing up. There was no visibility in the media and back in the day we only had two TV channels, no internet. There was a lot of fear and uncertainty during my teenage years around the AIDS epidemic. This helped cloud and repress my thoughts. I probably had depression for the majority of my life, but I just didn't realise it. I immersed myself in activities to keep my mind occupied and silence the gender thoughts. In my late 30s and early 40s I started joining the dots and I took a slow and methodical approach to finding/accepting my identity. Ultimately, when I transitioned, the colours returned to my world, and I was free. I found my pride. Since I was about 10 years old helping with hospital fund raising, and surf lifesaving, volunteering has been big in my life. For 15 years and counting I’ve volunteered for CFA. It’s a major part of who I am. CFA is a hub for rural communities and gives me a connection to Country, purpose, and passion. It was through CFA that I came out publicly to the wider community in a controlled and constructive way. I had control over my story and could correct the myths and lies that surround being transgender. Now I don’t have to continually come out or answer the same questions over, and over again. I also work on a casual basis at one of the local secondary colleges with the well-being team to help support and provide a role model to the LGBTIQ kids and to build awareness across the greater College. It's a privilege to be part of such an awesome, progressive, accepting group of people. I chose a location that represents me and my life. It’s the farm I grew up on, that I have farmed for my whole life. Being in yellows, it’s an iconic image of rural Australia, and a key part of my identity. James made it easy and comfortable, and I enjoyed being a part of his creative process.