"It was the best of times; it was the worst of times" Never have Dickens' words been more apposite. Crises like this bring out the best and the worst in people. I would like to express my thanks to the other authors on this site. A small silver lining in this big black cloud is that I have more free time to read some of the magnificent stories which continue to be posted and provide a welcome distraction from the continual bad news as the virus spreads around the globe, and so many of us are confined to our homes. We all appreciate your work.

Any Australian readers might be interested in a four-part tv program on ABC Me, yes that's the children's channel, at 4.30pm, Monday 30th March through to Thursday 2nd April in 30 minute episodes. It's about a young trans girl starting high school and doing her best to fit it and not stand out. Despite being told the school is inclusive, she had to use the sick room toilets since parents of other girls mightn't like her using the girls' ones. I'm guessing that might be just one of her problems. The lead character is played by a transgender girl.

Following on from my blog posts about Georgie Stone, it's sad to read that South Dakota House of Reps has passed a bill making it a criminal offence for doctors to treat transgender youths under the age of 16 with puberty blockers. Rep Fred Deutsch originally compared the treatment to medical experiments in Nazi concentration camps, although he's now backed off after widespread criticism. Many medical associations have expressed their dismay at the bill since untreated transgender youths are more at risk of suicide.

This is a follow-up to my blog item about Georgie Stone the trans teen who has recently played a small part in 'Neighbours' Her mother Rebekah Robertson has just published a book 'About a Girl' in which she recounts the story of bringing up Georgie who was one of twins originally both designated male. Georgie, however, was very certain she was a girl even from the age of two.
The book is published by Penguin Australia but I think it is available to download as well.

British football journalist Nicky Bandini (previously known as Paolo) has come out as transgender and announced that she intends to keep writing as a sports journalist under her new name. I find it very encouraging that someone in her position feels comfortable in making this announcement. I know it's not for everyone to announce their change publically, but for those who do, I say 'well done'.