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WHO WE ARE -
THE UNIQUE COMMITTEE
Unique is a Constituted Organisation with a Committee elected
by the Members.
Mae Unique yn Sefydliad Cyfansoddiadol gyda Phwyllgor a etholir gan Aelodau.
Jenny-
(Chair & Outreach co-
I’ve been transgender as long as I can remember. In 1980 I was diagnosed TS, but as I was married with young children I decided to stay TV until they grew up.
I now live with my partner Elen as Jenny-
Elen Heart
(Secretary & Treasurer)
Unlike many Trans people, I didn,t realise that I was transgender until fairly recently, though I’ve felt for a long lime that I was not 'normal'.
My first mentors were two transsexual women, and I soon realised that I was more
than a cross-
Alice Attwood
For years I've dreamt of being able to say that I'm Alice. I've been aware of being
different since I was about 7 years old, and I've been hiding who I am for most of
my
life. Finally being open about who I am is wonderfully liberating, and terrifying
in
equal measure.
I'm now trying to integrate two disparate
lives and sets of interests. I love climbing,
exploring abandoned mines, walking in the mountains and wild camping, and now I'm
developing a real interest in fashion and make-
Unique has been instrumental in helping me gain the confidence to come out, and
start
with my transition.
Lucy Darnton
It’s only in the last few years that I’ve learnt to enjoy the freedom to be myself: I am Lucy, I am a trans woman, and I now live openly as such here on the Wirral with my three children. I didn’t always think this was going to be possible.
It took until my late thirties to accept myself, but at that point I started to realise I needed to be honest with those closest to me about who I really am. In fact, I wanted to tell the world, but I didn’t know where to start. Then I discovered Unique and that really was the key to me finding the way forward and to start my transition; I’ll never forget the help and support they gave, and continue to give. It hasn’t been an easy path, but I’m so grateful that I am here today as Lucy.
As part Unique I hope in turn to be able to support others and work towards a world in which trans folk have true acceptance.
Emlyn Hall-
I was in my early 20's when I fully realised the person I was most happy to be.
I
joined Unique when Covid took hold. Since then I have met a ton of people like me,
and am now able to give
back some of the advice and
guidance that was given to me.
I knew I was Trans from about the age of four, I didn’t know that what it was called! It took me until I was 47 to decide to transition!
It’s much easier for a Transman to get by in life before they transition, and especially after they start taking hormones. That’s not to say it’s a walk in the park!
I discovered Unique during lockdown and I’ve never looked back since! I’ve had such a good laugh on the Zoom meetings and the live ones too, meeting some truly wonderful people.
I joined the Committee as I felt there was a need for the Transmasculine voice to
be heard -
Julie Weston
I was aged 13 when I become aware of the desire and need to dress in a feminine way.
Then I was unaware of the word Transgender so it was difficult for me to express
my feelings and to know who
I really was.
I have children from a marriage which in part failed due to me be being confused
about my Gender identity, I now also have grand children. I found the working environment
mentally damaging to me due to abuse that I received because
I am Transgender.
About 6 years ago I joined Unique and with their support came out as Julie. Now
I am out and about being the feminine lady that I have always wanted to be, I love
being feminine and I love pretty clothes and make up.Unique has changed my life in
such a positive way,
so thank you Unique.
Since a very young age I realised that I was different to other boys. I was never keen on sports, and in infant school I would always dress in dresses from the dressing up box. As I got older the feminine feelings grew much stronger, and with the advent of the internet I realised there were others like me and also people willing to help and listen.
I’m married and although I have the most wonderful and accepting wife who has known about my feminine self for nearly thirty years, things don’t always run smoothly. In 2009 I came across Unique and began to go to their monthly meetings. With their help and guidance I have gained more confidence in who I am, enabling me to venture out into the wide world as my true self. Hopefully, I can now give something back and help others in what can seem a very confusing time in their lives.
Jen Dowell
I am an ally member of Unique, working to promote human rights, equality and inclusion within health care. I work in the NHS and have an interest in human rights. As a committee member, I hope I can use my positivity, knowledge and skills to contribute to the work of the network.
I met members of Unique three years ago when I moved to North Wales and slowly became more involved in supporting the work of the network. Unique is a safe place where people can be themselves and everyone is welcome. I have always found it hard to make friends, but Unique has helped with this and makes everyone feel welcome.