A question of identity
Written by Andrew Shaw   
Tuesday, 06 October 2009 12:37

http://mcv.e-p.net.au/features/a-question-of-identity-6302.html

Andrew Shaw talks to a woman with an extraordinary life story to share.

Vanessa Van Durme was – is – Belgium's first transsexual. In 1975, at a time when most people were consolidating the sexual 'freedoms' of the sixties, Van Durme travelled to Casablanca, where she had a sex change operation.

Before the trip, Van Durme was an up-and-coming theatre actor. Today, she is in demand throughout Europe both for her ensemble theatre work and as a solo performer. She's coming to Melbourne to perform her autobiographical solo show, Look Mummy I'm Dancing, and after that her schedule is booked for four years. In her words, 'I'm working my ass off!' But in between these twin stages of her theatre career, for 15 years, Van Durme earned her living as a prostitute.

I think we owe a debt of gratitude to the pioneers of our community.  Their sacrifice and courage has made the road easier for us all.

Quote from: the article"I see more and more people who are doing [the sex change operation] at a certain age – 50 or 55. I was only 27, and young. I spoke with a lot of them in France and one of those women said, 'Yes, I was married.' All the people in the restaurant, they were all before married and had children! My question was, 'Why? Why did you get married?' They said, 'Well, the family... and we were Catholic and we had to do that to please everybody.' It's dramatic. It's terrible!"

Van Durme's disbelief at the plight of women who transition later in life is a product of her own unique personality, a confidence that she imagines – mistakenly – everyone shares.

I have to say I could never imagine waiting till a person is 50 - 55 years.   I myself had family and came from a catholic family.   I have heard some disturbing stories of family interference, not sure how being a catholic makes any difference.

Reading some stories here makes me realise how fortunate I myself must have been.

When my case hit the media, as it did, that disturbed me in as much of my employment.   Thank God, no long term effects were experienced.