Cultureshock

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Video transcript

Hello there, this is Bright Wolf Star. Where do we start? Firstly, I am what is called transsexual. I prefer transgender as its nothing to do with sex but has to do with gender. I was born into the wrong body. Originally came from Scotland where I was born. Travelling all over, I joined the forces to try and fit in but nothing worked. I moved here to the North East after quite a few mental health issues. I was homeless when I came out of hospital and had been treated as a social outcast most of my life. I had no self confidence, no friends in the area but had been based here before. Thanks to a great organisation called DASH I was able to find a home. Also having good support from the mental health community support team helped me find a place with an organisation called Bridge which was a great help.

There are two outstanding things that have happened in my life. The first was meeting Native Americans in Canada who taught me about my life. Firstly how to accept myself and I wasn’t alone. There’d been people like myself in their culture for centuries. They gave me my Indian name – Bright Wolf Star. These animals I can relate to for the persecution they have gone through. Secondly, the best thing to happen in my life was my reconstruction surgery that gave me the sexual organs that I wanted, not only for cosmetics but also to function. They have given me more confidence and satisfaction to be the person I was born inside. I would like to help others, not just transgendered people but anybody who has problems in their life. The most important thing I can say to anybody is said in my poetry. Here is one I put top priority.

Accept yourself, Accept yourself for who you are, Be the person you want to be, Don’t let other change you for their sake, It’s yours, be proud and happy of yourself, Show others who you really are, Don’t hide behind standing front, be there, Let the real you shine through forever, Make others remember you, Remember yourself too, Because you’re different, others will stare, Some might be abusive, don’t fret, Remember you are better accepting yourself, Show the you’re better than they could ever be, And accept in yourself, You are open, nothing to hide, No shame or sadness, It’s you, remember that, You’re full of goodness, not a bad thing to say, Accept all your differences, it’s a good thing, Don’t be aggressive, just chill and be yourself It’s nice not being worried what others are saying, Hold your head up high, accept yourself, Don’t stare at others but watch them fool themselves You are an individual that can be themselves, Its your life not another’s, Accept yourself, Enjoy it, yes, even the stares and comments, For if you accept yourself you accept them too, It’s a great thing to be yourself in full, Devoid of trouble of hiding away, So keep on showing all of yourself, But most important, accept yourself.