April Ashley receives MP

[robertlouis]

Actress and campaigner, April Ashley, 77, will become an MBE for services to transgender equality. After being born a boy, she became the first Briton to undergo a sex change operation, in Casablanca in 1960.

The award of honours to people working within and for the gay community in the UK has become commonplace, as has the award of honours to people who have contributed in other walks of life and just happen to be gay, but I think this may be the first time that a transsexual individual has been honoured.

Well done April!

Two pics - one shortly after her transition and as she is now.

[robertlouis]

The heading should of course read "April Ashley receives MBE" - I suspect that she may well have, *ahem*, "received" MPs in her time lol.

[MrsKellyPierce]

Just gorgeous! And congrats to her!

[robertlouis]

There was a nagging doubt in my mind, so I've just checked Jan Morris. She is the celebrated travel writer who was also born male, and she received the CBE in 1999. However, that award was for services to literature and not for any contribution towards campaigning on behalf of transsexuals.

While April Ashley's award is a great personal achievement, it also throws light in a very positive way on the tg community in general.

[MrsKellyPierce]

On a personal note - it's great to see a trans-woman that transitioned this young and has led a full life. It's just really great to see this. Too many girls die young.

[robertlouis]

On a personal note - it's great to see a trans-woman that transitioned this young and has led a full life. It's just really great to see this. Too many girls die young.

She had full srs in 1960 at the age of 25. She's also been married twice - and is still with her second husband - and was one of the first transgendered women in the UK to receive a new female birth certificate in 2004 when the law was finally changed. She also bears a very strong resemblance to a favourite aunt of mine, so I've followed her story for many years.

[MrsKellyPierce]

She had full srs in 1960 at the age of 25. She's also been married twice - and is still with her second husband - and was one of the first transgendered women in the UK to receive a new female birth certificate in 2004 when the law was finally changed. She also bears a very strong resemblance to a favourite aunt of mine, so I've followed her story for many years.

That should be inspiring to many girls. I think it's great the UK also funds SRS

They have the National Health System - I wish America had that.

[robertlouis]

It's also worth highlighting the CBE awarded to Paul Elliott the retired Chelsea and Celtic footballer for his sterling work to support diversity and eliminate racism from sport generally as well as in football.

[JenniferParisHusband]

It's also worth highlighting the CBE awarded to Paul Elliott the retired Chelsea and Celtic footballer for his sterling work to support diversity and eliminate racism from sport generally as well as in football.

As a Liverpool supporter, I must say that it's not worth highlighting anything having to do with Chelsea rent-boys. Sorry had to be done.

....You'll Never Walk Alone

[robertlouis]

As a Liverpool supporter, I must say that it's not worth highlighting anything having to do with Chelsea rent-boys. Sorry had to be done.

....You'll Never Walk Alone

While my footie loyalties as a Scot are pretty obscure to most people, I found out a few years back when Liverpool almost got the title back that in EPL terms I'm also a Liverpool supporter. However, I can't let what you say pass entirely.

Elliott left Chelski more than 20 years ago, long before Abramovitch came on the scene. He's an entirely admirable human being, both as a role model and spokesman. Tough bastard as a player too lol.