International Women's Day Special - Carolyn Mercer, an LGBTQIA+ advocate and Stonewall ambassador, leads today's lesson

This episode of EduKATE contains references to violence and suicide, which some listeners may find distressing. Listener discretion is advised. 

In this episode of EduKATE, which falls on International Women's Day, I am joined by the incredible Carolyn Mercer. This was one of the most important and enlightening conversations I’ve ever had. Being born in 1947, the word was a rather different one to where we’re at today in 2021- the word ‘transgender’ would not yet be coined until 1971, and ‘trans’ not until 1996.

We start chronologically, at age three, where Carolyn tells me that this is when she first remembers experiencing gender dysphoria. At age 17, she talks about undergoing the horrific practice of electro conversion therapy. I find out that in her adult life working as a headteacher, Carolyn was outed by the press, on more than one occasion. We then talk about the brilliant work that @stonewalluk do, and the absolute necessity for the UK govt to make all forms of conversion therapy illegal, as well as practical steps to improve gender equality in UK education systems... aaaaaannnddddd of course, what it means to be a woman.

Show Notes

Stonewall - LGBTQIA+ resources

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Host: Katie Kohn (IG @katiekohn17)

Guest: Carolyn Mercer (Follow Carolyn on Twitter at @CarolynMMercer and on Instagram at @carolynmmercer)

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