Dianne Harris did not decide to be a woman.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
Born into a male body, she figured God just ran out of the right parts.
"It's really tough for my generation because they've had to hide it for 50 years," she said.
"All of a sudden to step out it's easier to commit suicide sometimes than it is to say you you're a male who wants to be a female."
It's that mindset with often tragic consequences that the North West Gender Diversity and Tamworth Gay and Lesbian groups aim to change with an information night and the city's first ever pride celebration.
The aim is to bring the LGBTQI+ community, family, friends and supporters together to deal with issues that cause bullying, suicide and harassment.
But it's more than that. It's an opportunity for mothers with children who struggle with their sexual preferences to come forward, for the husband who might have just told his wife that he wants to become a woman.
Guest speakers on the night include Oxley Police District's gay and lesbian officer (GLO), members of the queer community and LGBTI health service Acon.
Darren Ralph grew up in a small town in northern Queensland, he got married even though he knew he was gay.
"The peer pressure and family pressure made me get married to do the 'right thing'," he said.
"It's not a case of waking up in the morning and deciding to be gay.
"We want kids to know they aren't alone, there's people here they can talk to. There are kids out there who thinks it's easier to get rid of themselves than it is to be who they are."
The Tamworth Gay and Lesbian group has nearly 400 members on Facebook and Mr Ralph expects there are many more who haven't come out.
Teachers at schools in the area plan to go to the information evening so they know what to do if a child expresses a struggle with gender or sexual identity.
Read also:
"Even if it's out of their reach, they will know who to contact," Mr Ralph said.
"There's a lot of adults who still can't come to terms with who they are as well."
Ms Harris agreed, but said she would love to see the rest of the community involved as well.
"We're aiming to get our message to the heterosexual community too," she said.
"We don't need to preach to the converted."
The first information night is on May 4 at Tamworth Cricket Club on Carter Street at 5pm for meet and greet before it starts at 6:30pm.
Madeline Link
Madeline Link is a journalist at the Newcastle Herald, with a focus on Lake Macquarie City Council. To keep up with my stories, follow my Twitter @madeline_link, for tips email madeline.link@newcastleherald.com.au.
Madeline Link is a journalist at the Newcastle Herald, with a focus on Lake Macquarie City Council. To keep up with my stories, follow my Twitter @madeline_link, for tips email madeline.link@newcastleherald.com.au.
