WASP News

A few years ago I was extremely privileged to hear an after dinner speech, delivered by a pilot of a World War 2 Lancaster Bomber. During his speech, that captivated the entire room, he told a story of a nervous young man, on his first night time bombing mission over occupied Europe. He described  in tremendous detail the moment the aircraft was hit by enemy fire, and the distressing seconds afterwards as the bomber broke apart around him.  He spent the next couple of years and the rest of the war, living in France, helping other stranded airmen back to the UK.

It was the most riveting story, and was delivered in a remarkable fashion. For me he really set the benchmark on Public Speaking. A rare talent, not just the fascinating content, but the measured, passionate, and engaging style of his presentation. Despite the age difference, he and I went on to become good friends, swapping flying stories, tradecraft tips, and the odd beer or four.  He was a larger than life character with a huge heart. I can imagine him listening to news of my transition, slapping me on the back and telling me  “That sounds like a bit of a rum caper, good luck !” Sadly he passed away a few years ago, but I still think of him, especially when there is Public Speaking to be done, and it turns out there is…..

As part of an all day function at work I have been invited to talk about my transition. The theme for the day is “Educate, Inspire an Engage.”  Standing in front of the entire team, of around 150 colleagues, I have the opportunity to add some depth and personal details to the communications they received in December  about my impending transition. So this weekend I have started thinking about how to fill twenty minutes with interesting words.

If I am going to hold the attention of the team, whilst I build up to the interesting  bits, I may need to liberally sprinkle a few jokes here and there. So far I’ve only written one gag, and its bordering on extremely inappropriate, so I don’t think I can even use it. This is a shame, because when I told Jane she laughed fairly vigorously.

Joking aside, I feel a significant  weight of responsibility resting on my shoulders. As the first to transition in this workplace I am representing the Trans Community, and I really want to get it right. For many of my colleagues I am sure this subject is way outside their comfort zone.  As much as I would like to inspire my colleagues, I think the primary goal of my talk should be to Educate and Engage.  Transitioning is going to be tough enough as it is, I really don’t want to alienate anyone before I start.

I have twenty minutes to convince them that this is not a “Bloke in a Dress Story. Twenty minutes to take them through a lifelong journey to personal acceptance.  Twenty minutes to explain that for me this is not a radical change.  My physical form will be tweaked to reflect my truth. I am just going to be, who I always have been.