oasis norfolk

Saturday 17th June was a perfect day for we Oasiseteers. A day that provided a delightful summer’s Goldilocks evening, not too hot and not too cold; a packed day that commenced at Trans Pride and ended with a fascinating and convivial meeting.

The evening’s centrepiece was a talk by Marc, who took us on a white-knuckle ride along his FTM journey. An excellent speaker, Marc was wonderfully articulate, honest, candid and open. Marc talked about the processes and milestones of his journey and of the emotional toll and rigger required to stay the course. He highlighted significant touchstones that many of us could relate to, but perhaps viewed from a very different prospective. For example, Marc’s frustration with the slow growth of facial hair could be matched by the cost, pain and time required to remove the wretched stuff. However, the intrinsic links between the physical, emotional and self image, plus the often high price paid to relationships to family and friends, were all very close to home. Marc talked about the waiting; oh the waiting, there is a lot of waiting in this game.

Thank you Marc you were brilliant! Oasis wishes you every happiness.

A few of our Oasiseteers shared their tales too. Jules talked oh so movingly about her twenty year journey with the beautiful Claire. Such love. Carole talked joyfully about her personal journey with Christ, recalling the kindness and support she enjoyed from her vicars, including a nice way of avoiding the perils of purging. Julie related tales of amazing support she has received from employers and co-workers over the last few years. So positive. Petra W took us through many of the steps of her journey to womanhood, and revealed that she will pass a very significant milestone this November. Good luck Petra, Oasis will be there to offer moral support.

We were also joined by the colourful Kerry King and Heather; with the effervescent Kerry taking us through her journey that led her to founding a brand new tiny rainbow shop Pride & Seek located in Dereham, and to establishing Norfolk’s newest Pride, ‘Dereham Does Pride’. Oasis will be with Kerry on 1st July in The Kings Head Hotel, Dereham.

To all our attendees, thank you for coming. A big Oasis welcome to new members Andrea, Ryan, Julie and Allie. Welcome back to Annie and Beccie (yes you Beccie, it’s never quite Oasis without you), Susanna and of course our very own Joanna. We’re going to need a bigger hall!

Much earlier in the day, Oasis participated in the Trans Pride 🏳️‍⚧️ event. For me this was such a wonderful and memorable event, full of love, kindness, joy and respect; and at times quite overwhelming. We met so many interesting, non confirming and delightful folk. If Oasis is my family, Trans Pride is my tribe. Hi to all our new friends, and we keep all of those who couldn’t be with us in our hearts.

As a child I couldn’t even imagine such a day, but I have spent so many years dreaming, and Saturday proved that dreams can come true. I hope your dreams come true too just like mine.

On such a busy day, the thank you list is long, so if I’ve missed you off please don’t shout at me. Merci Beaucoups to Rachel and Petra for opening and setting up the hall, to Amy, Ryan, Donna and to all of you for clearing up, especially the amazing Barry. Such a gentleman. And, to Phyllis and Anna the Queen’s of the washing up. Anna thank you for caring for me at the end of a long day.

For Trans Pride, my thanks go out to the ever resourceful Super Serena and our co-Priders, Alex, Lauren, Amy and Rachel. Lauren I hope your long journey was worth it, stay safe always.

A perfect day, I’m glad I spent it with my Oasis Family, All you need is love, especially Oasis love❤️
Lilly
x

PS I haven’t forgotten about Lilly’s Race For Life Challenge; I look forward to discussing your personal training plans very soon! Only ten months to the start line. Beware Donna and Stacey are already miles down the road.