In this podcast Kira talks about transitioning from male to female at seventeen. This podcast was funded by a generous donation from Roger Smith.
Summary
The recording titled "Kira profile" documents an interview with Kira, who shares their experience on transitioning from male to female at the age of seventeen. The recording, conducted by Wai Ho and lasting for 33 minutes, was supported by a donation from Roger Smith and covers themes from the 2010s.
Born and raised in Auckland, New Zealand, Kira's journey of gender identity began at an early age, always feeling that they were a girl despite being assigned male at birth. Kira started using their chosen name after coming out two years prior to the interview and had their name legally changed shortly before the recording. The process of transitioning was less about making the decision and more about informing others of their true identity.
Kira's family had mixed reactions to the news. While their mother was supportive from the initial disclosure, it took their father a couple of months to come around and offer support. Their older brother, who, like their younger brother, is diagnosed with autism, also took time to adapt to Kira's new identity. Differences in their relationship dynamics, such as their father initially blaming themselves for Kira's transition, highlighted the challenges of familial acceptance.
Education and social environments played a significant part in Kira's narrative. Having attended a single-sex school that presented difficulties for their gender expression, Kira ultimately left the institution. An attempt to return to a different school was unsuccessful when the establishment was not accommodating of Kira's transition. Complications with legal name changes and uniform policies made it clear that much progress is still needed within educational systems to support transgender individuals.
Beyond education, Kira expresses interests and achievements, such as practicing karate, a discipline they began as a form of escape from the pressures of school life. Kira competed in karate at high levels, including taking part in world competitions where they placed fifth in their categories, showcasing the often-unseen successes and normality of lives led by transgender individuals.
The role of healthcare and community support are prevalent themes in Kira's story. Encounters with varying levels of understanding among medical professionals, as well as delays and complexities in receiving gender-confirming treatments and surgeries, signify the ongoing hurdles faced by transgender people within healthcare systems.
Kira found solace and companionship in the transgender community after being referred by their healthcare providers. Participation in groups such as Gender Quest and Generation Queer proved to be invaluable sources of support during their transition, evidencing the importance of queer communities in providing safe spaces and collective knowledge.
The interview concludes with Kira looking ahead to future goals, specifically the desire to pursue a career in nursing despite the obstacles presented by their educational background. They also share hopes for societal change, such as the promotion of gender education, more accepting attitudes, and inclusive practices in schools and healthcare systems.
This summary is created using Generative AI. Although it is based on the recording's transcription, it may contain errors or omissions. Click here to learn more about how this summary was created.
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