Yeah you got it. Apparently her character was originally written as a transphobic bit (haha wouldn’t it be funny if the socially awkward guy went on a date and it turned out the date was trans), but I think the actor really took it seriously and the writers consulted with trans advocacy groups and they brought on a trans woman to consult formally and make sure Hayley wasnt just a characature. It wasn’t perfect by any means but it was really interesting to compare with now where a trans person’s inclusion would be considered a pure political statement and the hate machine would immediately spin into overdrive.

You did good sis.

Totally not me 2 years ago.

That’s what I want! I think i found a place near me, and I saw a Google review from a trans woman who said they were kind and affirmative. I’m still working up the courage.

You have awesome energy :3

When you bought your nice wig did you spend time getting it fitted? Was there a fitting room and someone to help you pick one out? I feel like having a more personal touch here like you get at high end clothes shops might be useful for me.

I’ve not yet, i might try though now you’ve said it! I wear various cute hats and I guess I have a sortof alt / punk vibe anyway so very short hair can sortof fit.

I really feel you though sister. Male pattern baldness is really brutal for us. It was actually a big part of how I realised I was trans because the dysphoria became unbearable as it started to happen. I appreciate you bringing this question up.

Appreciate this, thank you

I’m still in the cheap wig stage and still very early in transition. I assume I will get more and more frustrated with the quality (right now still just happy to have hair, oh to have been on E 10 years ago). I’m also interested in what the pricey ones might be like.

It was brave to try something out of your comfort zone.

This made me audibly squeel with joy.

You handled it incredibly well. They’re really very scary. I had my first one in ages this week too!

I saw a documentary on Hayley from Coronation Street (first trans character on a long running UK soap opera). She was (for the most part) reasonably sensitively portrayed and her actress (a cis woman) was at least very careful to listen to trans voices at the time and I believe has been a decent ally since (if I’m wrong please correct me). She ended up becoming a core cast member that stuck around for 16 years.

The thing that struck me was how the public conversation was really different to how it would be now. The right hadn’t yet re-organised and rallied against “woke”. The anti trans mob wasn’t really a thing (of course transphobia was very real, just seemingly less organised). There was a lot of language that feels icky now but it just didn’t seem like the same level of toxicity we have to deal with in current year.

:( <3

Fingers crossed you get it soon.

Friend you made that post about it weeks ago, sorry you’re still waiting, must be excruciating.

Name. Pronouns. That’s about it though.

Thats so bad-ass omg.

Thank you Grail. I know it wasn’t really a rational fear.

I’m right there with you on the voice training. It’s so hard and it feels so vulnerable doing it. Difficult not to be your own worst critic.

It’s so so difficult to deal with the relationship and the identity crisis while your living situation isn’t secure and safe. Being in a home that feels stable and safe should be a basic right for everyone. It’s okay to lean on your friends for help in a time like this and I’m glad you have them.