Claire Birkenshaw: A Trans Life; Transgender, Transition, and forever Translating...

In this episode we’re joined by Claire Birkenshaw, a lecturer at Leeds Beckett University. In 2016 as a Principle at a secondary school in Hull, Claire transitioned to female at the age of 45, making her the first headteacher to transition whilst in post. Her story is one of immense pain and intense hope.

She speaks to us about her journey and the work she now does to shed light, open doors and educate in sexual diversity and acceptance.

This episode opened our eyes to the deep and complex emotions that accompany being trans. It’s moving, raw, honest and incredibly informative. Amelia said of all the episodes we’ve recorded, this one broke her heart open and when you listen to it, you’ll know why. She is a deeeep thinker, a master metaphor-ist (!) and a gorgeous human being. The students of Leeds Beckett Uni are so freakin lucky to have such a powerful woman in their faculty.

Claire references and resources:

Goffman – Front stage/back stage. Accepted or Hostile. - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Erving_Goffman
Claire recommends watching ‘First Day’ on BBC iPlayer - about a trans girl starting at a new secondary school. Claire is currently writing a paper on it.

Pivot Points recommendation - have you seen:

'Disclosure' on Netflix - a SUPERB documentary created and starring all trans cast.
'Pose' on Netflix and BBC - a series based in the heartbreaking 80's, where the New York trans community love, live, dance and die. 
See Claire in action on stage - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oXPn5dzwQc0

You can get hold of Gabi & Amelia here:

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Email: [email protected]

Gabi: www.gabriellamillercoach.com // insta: @gabriellamiller.coach

Amelia: www.kinestheticacoaching.com // insta: @kinesthetica_coaching

Rob Sell is our Editor / Life saver

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