"Re transgender and sexuality: indeed - all the men I have ever known who changed their gender still fancied women. It's a completely different issue from sexuality"

Do you mean all the persons who were identified as men when they were born still fancied women after transitioning into their true gender?

Please do not forget that there are male to female and female to male transsexuals. Many of those who transition live very straight lives, some are bisexual and some are gay. Just like genetic men and women!

I, personally, have not come up against any direct discriminiation or bigotry to my face at any folk concert or club I have attended. I have sung all sorts of material, some of it 'transgendered' to rapturous applause. What I have found generally is people being supportive. That does not mean some do not struggle with their own issues. In general I get asked all sorts of questions which I answer as honest as I can.

Those likely to ask me honest questions and offer support, of course, are not rare or unusual. The ones with the problems are more likely not to approach me at all and distance themselves. I have been in compant where I have ben shocked when people, being totally normal with and around me, have come out with some terribly bigoted statement about gays or blacks! It always shocks me that there is a deepoer undercurrent of ignorance (being kind) out there.

Concerts such as the above can only go some way toward showing true acceptance, allowing minorities a voice and stage on which to express it, allow for education to those who are a little lost on the subject, and to also give a big 'hello' to those who live in shadows of fear frightened to come out. I commend such efforts.

I keep stressing that most people are not malicious or nasty. I truly believe that. But some are confused or truly ignorant and want to know more.

One man I used to see often once had a 'private talk' with me. He was worried. "Thing is I like you so much as a person, respect you as a woman, and love your songs. But how can I like you as I do when I know you used to be a man?". His own insecurities were messing him about a bit but he was being honest. His mistake, I told him, was to be thinking of me as some ex-man. My advice. Know amd like the person you like as the person they are. No need to expand on it at all.

Accept the person as the individual they are. Such a simple principle that so many struggle with. People make mistakes and, as long as it is not malicious or nasty, so what? I make mistakes all the time!

Thanks for listening by the way

anon