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 I was and doing something about it -
Having grown up as a RAF Brat and keen scout, dreaming of being a pilot in the RAF, I concealed a secret for decades before accepting, in 1998, that she needed to transition.
Losing one job as a consequence, I joined Greater Manchester Probation in 1999. As the first openly trans employee nationally I provided awareness training for probation and prison staff and others and became the de facto lead on trans issues.
I persuaded the then Lesbian and Gay staff association to extend its membership criteria to include trans and spent several years as chair. I also helped to found a:gender -
My 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 I came out to family and friends and how that might have been handled better! It also covers my life after transition, embarking on a range of activities learning to scuba dive, qualifying as a yacht skipper, fire breathing, diving with sharks -
NOW AVAILABLE WITH COLOUR ILLUSTRATIONS
A Tale of Two Lives is available as an e-
ISBN
Paperback on Amazon: 978-
Paperback elsewhere: 978-
Hard cover (colour illustrations): 978-
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-
“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.”