The story of growing up as a RAF Brat; as a keen scout, dreaming of becoming an RAF pilot but concealing a secret for years; finally accepting what I was and doing something about it - and life after transition
Inspirational story of award winning trans activist, writer, trainer and counsellor: Helen Dale.
The story of growing up as a RAF Brat; concealing a secret for years; finally accepting what she was and doing something about it - and life after transition.
Losing one job as a consequence of transitioning, she joined Greater Manchester Probation in 1999. As the first openly trans employee nationally she provided awareness training for probation and prison staff and others and became the de facto lead on trans issues.
She persuaded the then Lesbian and Gay staff association to extend its membership criteria to include trans and spent several years as chair sand helped to found a:gender - the UK pan-Civil Service trans support network and was made an honorary life member when she retired in 2015. She served on local and national diversity boards and chaired a trans charity in Manchester as well as training as a counsellor.
Her work was recognised with several awards including a Butler Trust Award presented by HRH Princess Anne at Buckingham Palace.
"A Tale of Two Lives" tells how she came out to family and friends and how that might have been handled better! It also covers her life after transition, embarking on a range of activities learning to scuba dive, qualifying as a yacht skipper, fire breathing, diving with sharks - including Great Whites - and holidaying around the world as part of a group or on solo trips showing that being trans is no barrier to living a full life.
What people have already said:
"an excellent read and filled in some of the gaps in your eventful life. It was a brave thing to write it but I would not expect anything less from you"
"I've read the book and found it very interesting, down to earth, no holds barred, and for me personally extremely helpful in understanding a close relative in a similar situation. Well done, I look forward to the next one."
"A book about journeys and self-discovery and how to weather life's ups and downs. Fascinating insights into Helen's transition story richly peppered with the fullness of family, friendship, work and really living life to the full. Yes Helen you have made a difference"
"I really enjoyed this book which covers the very interesting life story of Helen.
It's a really good read and keeps you interested as well as explaining more about the TV/TS community and the struggles they can face.
Highly recommended"
"I loved this book and as my son is experiencing some of the same issues it gave me insight. I also bought the book for him which I think helped, though he has chosen not to transition. He chose instead to tell his closest friends and felt able to do that."
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