Monika: Do you take an active role in politics or participate in any lobbying efforts, and how do you see transgender women making a difference in public life?
Emma: Not in the strict sense of the word, but I have worked with various groups and founded ‘Sanctity,’ a group fighting for the right of trans people and their spouses to remain married. I believe trans women and trans men can make huge differences in virtually every sphere of life, not just politics. I’m too old now to enter the political arena, although I have been asked at a local level. I’ve also worked with Women’s Groups, Local Councils, the Probation Service, and the Police.
Monika: Could you share some of the more unusual or memorable projects you’ve been involved with in these roles?
Emma: I was asked to write a scenario for the Police Firearms Unit and Hostage Negotiators involving diversity issues, which I was more than happy to do. I also played the part of the hostage taker, waving a gun at police marksmen, cursing and swearing, and making life as difficult as I could for them. That was great fun. I have been fascinated by the number of trans women who work in the IT industry and when I contacted Professor Simon Baron-Cohen of Cambridge University on the subject we inaugurated a project that ended with me being accredited as co-writer on an article published in an American science journal on some rather controversial things we’d discovered about the connection between autism and trans men.
Monika: How would you describe your personal style, and what kind of clothes do you usually enjoy wearing? Do you have any favorite designs, colors, or trends?
Emma: Day to day I’m just a scruff in jeans and a top, but I do enjoy making the best of myself when I go out. I like clothes that are a bit ‘out of the ordinary’ and match my artistic style. Monika: How important is love in your life, and what role does it play for you? Emma: I think I’ve probably covered that already. Without Lin in my life, there would be no life. She is everything to me.
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| Husky sledding in Sweden. |
Monika: Many transgender women choose to write memoirs. Have you ever considered writing your own story?
Emma: During my transition, I kept a diary of everything that happened, even including the weird dreams I had. That may become a book or perhaps even a film. At last year’s London Screenwriters Festival, I was told by a Hollywood producer, ‘You must write your story’ as a screenplay. Watch this space.
Monika: Are you currently working on any new creative projects?
Emma: Apart from living a normal life, I love writing. I have four TV pilot comedy and drama scripts written, have started a series of children’s books, and am working on a novel called The Box of Stolen Lives, and of course the memoir or screenplay mentioned above.
Monika: What advice would you give to transgender girls who are struggling with gender dysphoria and considering transition?
Emma: If it’s right, then it’s right, but be absolutely sure that this is what you need rather than what you want. Search out a GP who will treat you as a human being rather than an oddity. Get counselling and take your time. Once we start, we all want to rush through transition, but in retrospect it’s important to take time and do it properly. I would warn people to avoid purchasing hormones or other treatments over the web.
Monika: Emma, thank you so much for sharing your story and insights with us.
Emma: It’s been an absolute pleasure.
END OF PART 2
All photos: courtesy of Emma Martin.
© 2015 - Monika Kowalska
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