LUNA - LETS TALK ABOUT...
LUNA the novel and LUNA the theatre production raise many issues worthy of discussion. This page offers some information about the questions the book and show both raise regarding gender roles, identification, tolerance, and relationships.
the book and show...
Regan’s brother Liam can’t stand the person he is during the day. Like the moon from which Liam has chosen his female name, his true self is only revealed at night. In the secrecy of his basement bedroom, Liam transforms himself into Luna, the beautiful girl he longs to be, but only with his sister, Regan’s, support and silence. Balancing Liam’s secret with life it is Regan who needs support and understanding. She needs a life. But everything is about to change. As Liam gets closer to sharing his double life with the rest of the world, Regan is panicked that their family and friends aren’t ready to welcome Luna into their lives. Compelling and provocative, this is an unforgettable novel about a transgender teen’s struggle for self-identity and acceptance.
being transgender...
Transgender is an umbrella term for persons whose gender identity, gender expression, or behavior does not conform to that typically associated with the sex to which they were assigned at birth. Gender identity refers to a person’s internal sense of being male, female, or something else; gender expression refers to the way a person communicates gender identity to others through behavior, clothing, hairstyles, voice, or body characteristics. “Trans” is sometimes used as shorthand for “transgender.” While transgender is generally a good term to use, not everyone whose appearance or behavior is gender-nonconforming will identify as a transgender person.
getting further information and support...
It is OK to be transgender, and to live your life in a way that makes you happy. How do I access medical treatment to change gender? Not all transgender people want to change their gender medically, but some do. If you are entitled to NHS medical treatment, you can see your GP and ask him or her to refer you to a local psychiatrist or mental health specialist. The local mental health specialist will talk with you about your feelings and any other issues you may be having, and can then refer you to a specialist Gender Identity Clinic. It may take some months for this referral process to happen, and you will usually have to have attend a number of appointments at the Gender Identity Clinic before you can be prescribed medical treatment such as hormones and surgery. If you are not entitled to NHS treatment or prefer private treatment, you can usually book to see a private specialist without being referred. However, if you decide to have medical treatment the private specialist will usually want to keep your GP informed. Private treatment is often quicker but can be expensive. What legal protection do transgender people have? Those who are having medical treatment to change gender have strong legal protection against discrimination in areas like employment, public services and shops and businesses. In addition, people who have been living in their new gender for two years can legally change gender, allowing them to be treated as their new gender for all purposes, including marriage/civil partnerships and pensions. You do not necessarily need to have had surgery or hormones to legally change gender. Cross-dressers and those who do not intend to have medical treatment or legally change gender do not necessarily have all the same legal rights. However, it is never acceptable for someone to harass you or act violently towards you, and the police and other public services have a duty to support and protect you if you are being threatened. Many parts of the country have specific support groups for trans people, which you can find through an internet search engine or through other LGBT groups. These can be a good way of finding people in similar situations and talking through shared issues, although you should always be careful when making contact online. "Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind" Dr. Seuss
Dear Luna,
where can I find out more??
LINKS...
Mermaids - offer support to parents, families, carers and others.
They also raise awareness about gender issues amongst professionals.
(e.g. teachers, doctors, social services. etc.,) and the general public. They campaign for the recognition of this issue and an increase in professional services.
TransKids - Primarily aimed at parents and teachers in primary schools. Not just for primary school with transgendered children but for all primary school teachers.
a:gender - a:gender is a UK based support network that embraces all TS/TG and intersex staff who work in the civil service agencies.
Gender Identity Research and Education Society (GIRES) - Founded in 1997 GIRES is an organisation that focuses on the needs of people who experience atypical gender identity development, especially trans people, whether or not they are also affected by L,G,B or I issues. GIRES fulfils a special role, which differs from that of other groups in its field. It is not a support group, although it does provide help to individual trans people and the members of their families. It is not a political campaigning organisation, although it does provide educational literature to politicians. It does not arrange frequent social events, although its annual meeting is an enjoyable affair, attended by the representatives of other groups. GIRES' primary mission is to improve the circumstances in which trans people live, by changing the way that society treats them.
The Gender Trust - National UK Charity for anyone with gender identity issues. Offering a listening ear, a caring support and an information centre.
Press for Change - Press for Change is a political lobbying and educational organisation, which campaigns to achieve equal civil rights and liberties for all trans people in the United Kingdom, through legislation and social change.
Mermaids UK - Trans support group for gender-variant children, teenagers and their families. Information, support, friendship and shared experiences.
Trans Youth Network - is a project campaigning for greater visibility and equal rights for all younger trans-folk and our issues.
Queer Youth Network - The Queer Youth Network is a national non-profit making organisation that is run by and for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgendered (LGBT)Young People and is based in the United Kingdom.
It has an aim to represent the needs and views of LGBT Young People through campaigning for greater visibility and equal rights, as well as providing general support and information to those who are just 'coming out' or who are suffering the effects of homophobia.
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