Trying to be is not easy. Firstly, let me acknowledge the origin of this phrase and the reason I am using it in my work. Trying to be is the title of a fantastic song written and performed by Buella Blue. She is an amazing Australian composer and performer whose song sums up so many things I have wanted to say about my own life but also that of my current subject, Amanda Monroe, a male to female transgendered Drag Queen and a member of Drags Aloud. So to you Buella Blue thank you. Beaulla Blue has kindly allowed me to use Trying to be as part of my documentary film sound track. You will be hearing more from me about the talented Buella Blue as the production and post production progresses.

Trying to be is not easy. I don't know about you but there are days when most things are hard and nothing is easy. Imagine what it would be like if you were trying to be - but you were a person born with the wrong gender and living in the wrong body. What questions would you ask yourself to begin the process of fixing the grave error of nature if it happened to you? If you decided to re-assign your gender would you hide away or seek out the spot light by performing on stage - as a Drag Queen? Can performance help a man to learn to be a woman? These questions and more are the focus of my thinking as I work hard to build the visual story of Amanda Monroe and her most amazing pathway to transformation. Her courage has inspired me, her dedication has impressed me and her wisdom has taught me. I only hope I can do justice to this most amazing story of re-invention and hope.

Would love to hear any comment, thoughts or opinions on my first blog.