Sue, Wheelchair user, 54
Accident when she young, helping another wheelchair user, when she was 21. Helping him to go the toilet, very heavy chair. Got caught in the chair - 1000/1 chance of that happening. Lives at home with full time carer. Who does everything for her. Flat she lives in Norwich, makes it very difficult for her. Been interested in acting and drama, very heavily involved in drama. Always wanted to be a nurse. Worst thing to lose was being able to go on long walks. Constant pins and needles feeling on left thigh.
Some ways its become easier, some ways harder. What happened has opened her up to what she does now, but it is hard and difficult to get around and get to places.
Last day?: Go to Yarmouth, have a meal in her favourite restaurant. Would want to take everybody who cares about her.
Janet, Sue’s Carer, 60
First thing is get the cats fed. If she wants a lay in then she gets a lay in. Washes her, does everything for her. Home care work, retirement home work, all over. Only cares for Sue over three our four years. With Sue 24/7. People seem to stay away from her so she doesn't ask them to do anything. It can be lonely. Thinks people are scared to talk incase they say something wrong or inappropriate. Although she sometimes feels like she has no time for herself, she also volunteers. HUK. Enjoys photography. Enjoyed social sciences.
Last Day?: Take Sue out somewhere nice. Make sure cats are well and fed. Yarmouth is good for wheelchairs.
Jackie, Young Transgender, 23 awaiting surgery.
It’s not particularly a choice to be trans. Used to wear make up and mascara until he was about 11. Studied hairdressing and make up artistry. Worked at a bar, was very gender fluid and went on a journey of self discovery. Knew something was going on but was unsure. Spanish people used female pronouns and that sort of made sense to her. Came back from Ibiza and sort of got on. Knew she was a female and wasn’t right. Doctor referred her to surgery. Go through a lot of tests to make sure you're off a sound mental state. The process took three years but she has a friend who's just come out as trans and its only taken three months which means its getting better. Been on hormones for about a year and a half now. Sexual reassignment surgery can cost about £11k. Before the surgery, the worst thing about it is beating yourself up about how you look and pursuing change when there is nothing you can change at all. Dating is cool. Dates straight men. It was problematic because it was seen as a fetish at one point instead of being seen seriously, presented as a heterosexual female. Doesn’t miss anything about being male. There are people who go through the operation and the suicide rate is very high with people who regret having the surgery. Suicide contemplation or attempt rate is 60-70% in transexual people. Dad really really hated it. Because all her life, he had always been trying to get her to go fishing and shooting and stuff. Mum was always been accepting though. She probably would have committed suicide if she hadn’t been able to change. Kaitlin Jenner is a bad representation of trans women. Like she had only been out for two months and already took full reconstructive surgery. Internet is a huge part of things now. Tumblr and stuff. Her friend’s dad just completely cut her off.
Last Day?: Feels really good to say your story. So many people who have helped me. If she had one day, rather than just getting out and getting wrecked, she would like to tell everybody who has helped her how thankful she is for everything, it would be closure.
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