A celebration of transgender culture

A young transgender man is hoping to dispel often widespread misunderstanding about transgender culture with an event he is hosting in Devon.

Kay Browning from Tiverton wants others like himself and those questioning their gender identity to be accepted for who they are.

The 25-year-old who as a young girl was a majorette, but now as a man is head coach and choreographer for Tiverton Town Majorettes is working with Fixers to put on an event to promote his message.

Kay who began his transition two years ago, recently underwent chest reduction surgery to remove his breasts following 18 months of NHS-funded psychotherapy and hormone treatment.

His free Fixers’ ‘Transfusion’ event at Exeter College on July 3rd aims to educate the general public about transgender culture through an evening of dance and guest speakers.

Kay says: ‘I’m thrilled to be hosting this event with Fixers that has such a unique touch on presenting transgender life and culture. I hope that people find themselves stimulated and moved. I want to portray that irrespective of labels created by society, we all have human emotion in common.’

He hopes the event, between 7pm and 9pm, will not only change people’s perception of the LGBT community for the better, but also help other young transgender people or those questioning their gender identity.

Kay faced discrimination growing up and hopes to change this for future generations.

He says: ‘I’ve had a few things happen to me with regards to prejudice. I was once stripped off from the waist down and spat on in a public park. Psychologically and emotionally, that was very difficult to bear.’

His event already has the support of Exeter-based The Intercom Trust.

Anyone wanting to attend the event can contact james@fixers.org.uk

Fixers supports people aged 16-25 to tackle or campaign about any issue that matters to them, however they choose.

Each Fixer is supported by the charity’s team of in-house creative professionals to produce a resource to get their chosen message across. Many young people choose to create a short film, website, poster campaign, information leaflet, or hold an event or flash mob.

Fixers has already supported 16,343 young people across the UK to have an authentic voice in their community.

Young people have campaigned on issues with Fixers as diverse as cyber-bullying, self-harm, suicide and the need for more random acts of kindness.

Fixers aims to work with over 70,000 young people aged 16 to 25 by 2020 to help them to take action and tackle the issues they feel strongly about and to do this needs to raise funds. Visit www.fixers.org.uk for more information.