Transpositions

3 Nov 2014

Terry Tinsel’s journey

Community, Estrogen, Gender Diversity, Gender Non Conforming, Hormones, Support, Transgender

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Terry Tinsel: performer drag queen/transwoman discusses her life story with Kurt and co-hosts Michelle and Megan.

Terry growing up in Sydeny, her fathers job taking him away from home for extended periods and her mothers difficulty coping. At about age 11, Terry looking after her mother reaching a point of frustration, leading to a decision that she, at the time he could no longer deal with her mothers issues, walking out from the family home and just walking, finding herself in Kings Cross. A chance meeting two other young boys, was invited to stay with them at a nearby squat.

She tells how a young boy in his early teens survives in Sydeny’s Kings Cross area, the alliances, and alignments that developed between notable personalities of the time.

Working her way up through the ranks, of the Kings Cross groups, and associations with the people that made up the Cross.

Terry’s mingling in notable Kings Cross circles and association with the club acts and prostitutes of the time, and her facination with the costumes and big hair, led to close friendships. At around the age of 14 he was asked if he would be interested in becoming a stripper. At the time, stripping did not entail stripping completely naked and her friend suggested the she could pass as a female, with her boyish body. He became comfortable with her role as a stripper.