"No-one is transgender in a vacuum"

One of the most inspiring messages from Paris Lee's talk today was that if you are part of something bigger than yourself, it gives your life more meaning.

This is true, not just for the LGBT community, but for all other minority groups. "No one is transgender in a vacuum," and no one should feel alone. But no matter how much negativity the world gives you, you can kill it with positivity and understanding. Let's kill the world with kindness, people!

I am so privileged to have heard Paris Lee talk today; I think that if more people fought for not only their own identity, but for the identity of those around them, the world would be a much better place.

Jenni Brooks

"Get them to get it"

The moment Paris Lees entered the room, a respectful silence followed. People from all walks of life had gathered to have their ears and eyes opened to the struggles of the trans community - struggles some have faced and struggles that some wouldn't believe.

 

Paris's captivating talk took us on a journey from the summer in which she "ditched her boy clothes" to her discovery of her political voice through charities and media outlets. The Gender Trust Charity, Trans Media Watch and All About Trans are just three of the organisations with which she has campaigned.

 

When you watch Paris talking, you notice how comfortable she is in her skin, how she dominates the space, and really tries to connect with what she is saying.

 

Starting with The Pink Paper, Paris also gained a foothold in journalism. She then moved onto other publications, including The Guardian, and is currently an editor for Attitude magazine.

 

While these achievements are awe-inspiring, she also spoke about the wider picture. Increasing transgender representation in shows like Eastenders and The Voice will help to "get them to get it" - and by "them" she means the ones who would use the trans community as a "punchline or a punch bag."

 

Paris's message was simple, yet effective. "Get out there and do it - just live." A mantra that everyone should live by.

 

 

Jack Wilkin  

A preview of Paris

Brighten up your Monday afternoon by seeing Paris Lees, editor of Attitude magazine, who is coming for talk at Clephan Building (De Montfort University). Talking about her experiences growing up will open the eyes of many cis-gendered people by giving them an insight into everyday life for the trans community.

With a weekly column in VICE.com under her belt, Paris is the woman to talk to about editing, publishing and broadcasting. I hope this talk will take us behind the scenes of magazine work and excite members of the audience to put pen to paper.

 Paris is currently embarking on a campaign for better representation of transgender people in the media, and I've no doubt this topic will inspire and captivate the lucky people who get to hear her.

 

Don’t miss out on being inspired. 



Jack Wilkin

It's back ... but have YOU booked?

That's right, here at DMU we are holding the Cultural Exchanges Festival! Featuring famous guest speakers and unmissable events- quite literally since we get reminded in every lecture.

There will be a Fine Art Auction for you artsy types, a concrete poetry workshop, 'So You Want to Write A Novel' (did anyone else sing that?) led by DMU lecturers (and novelists) Rod Duncan and Niki Valentine, Educating Yorkshire star Musharaf Asghar with Mr Burton, and talents including Willy Russell, Paris Lees and many, many more. This is only a small snippet of what's to come, so get your butts to booking before it's too late!

If you haven't booked, then prepare for the Hunger Games between the public and students as more and more tickets vanish into thin air. This popular event is going to be one crazy week for those not going home- I mean studying in their accommodations like the hard-working students they are.

Music Festivals? Pfftt, nah. This is where YOU need to be!

Copyright image by Express Mail, article published by Ben Jefferson

 

 

Kayla Dutton