Friday, December 14, 2007

Free Coaching Session on Boxing Day


Sadly I haven't been able to contribute time to Free Coaching Sessions in my Online Coaching Gymn this autumn. Designing and delivering The Gender Fest in partnership with Eastleigh Council has been an intensive but inspiring experience. I am also engaged in writing some more programmes.


Remembering when I lived as a divorcee with a young family to care for Xmas seemed to focus my attentions on what a great time everyone should be having. Don't misunderstand me, I loved arranging a wonderful xmas meal, buying wrapping and opening presents.Going to the forest to choose The Perfect Tree Sitting down to watch a good film in the afternoon in front of a real fire with a glass of wine. All things that families do a Xmas. I was very happy living an independant life and certainly not a women who craved being in a committed partnership again.


The is something about Xmas that seemed to niggle at my peace - a kind of inner voice that kept asking ' Who do you think you are kidding? You are not fooling anyone.........' Boxing day seemed to be the worst when the anti-climax set in and the kids were off doing their stuff with their mates and everything seemed to highlight what I wasn't - part of a couple and traditional family. Even though this was entirely my choice, I always dreaded the feeling of lonliness that popped up on Boxing Day. The Millenium marked a wonderful new (if unexpected) relationship and marriage for me and I no longer have an empty aching feeling on Boxing Day.


I wanted to connect with others that may be experiencing that same feeling of emptiness at Xmas really just to say hello and pass a lighthearted hour. As my Xmas contribution I've decided to run a Free Boxing Day Special Coaching Gymn Session. Anyone interested in joining me can do so via my website and we can chat in the comfort of our own homes potentially with people from all over the World.


I don't really have a sense of how busy the session will be but if anyone experiences difficulties accessing the session this will probably mean that the session is at full server capacity. Looking forward to sharing some peace, goodwill and fun with you on Boxing Day.


warm regards

Lynne Paris


Together Everything Becomes Possible

Tuesday, November 13, 2007

THE GENDER FEST -- A SUCCESS

I am delighted to report that The Gender Fest was a success, according to emails and feedback that I have received after the event. The event was well attended despite being in a mainstream venue, the staff at The Point were marvellous - very welcoming and professional and provided a service as supportive as I have become used to receiving when organising Ministerial and Secretary of State events. Nothing was too much trouble. The Mayor of Eastleigh , Roger Smith surprised me by staying at The Gender Fest long after he had made his welcoming speech making himself available to listen to the guests and learning more about the real issues that the TG Community face. In truth The Mayor could have fulfilled his civic duty with much less effort and the fact that both he and Min Partner have demonstrated so much support and a willingness to listen should be commended and suggests that this is a real opportunity for the TG Community to be taken seriously and respected for just who they are.
This is the major breakthrough that I have been working hard towards as a springboard for TG people to' Step into a Great Place in The World'. Accessibility to services that TG people, partners and family want and need was a focus for the event. I was pleased to receive support from Emma Scully, Laser Therapist, Tina Livingstone, Counsellor, Vollers Corsets and Christine Crowle - professional make-up artist and Trelogan Wigs as providers. The Gender Trust , Beaumont Society also had a presence at The Fest. I was also happy to meet representatives from other TG support organisations. There are other providers who have contacted who would like to be involved in any further Gender Fest that we hold.
The music - open mike - section went down very well with Rachel and Bridget performing. There are other aritsts waiting in the wings to contribute to this performance which will emphasise that the event is for having fun as much as the health and welfare aspect. I have discovered a wealth of creative talent in the TG Community and hope to develop the creative and cultural aspect of The Gender Fest over time.
I have recruited another member to The Mastermind Team that worked with me to design the initial event and I have some great news in the offing that I will publicise when I can. I'll be compiling a lessons learned list so interested to hear constructive feedback from anyone who has suggestions on how things can be improved.
Also, anyone wishing to stage a Gender Fest should contact me to discuss copyright. I am happy to support within time constraints but I hope to continue working in partnership with Eastleigh Council if they wish and to co-ordinate progress around them.
I will also be interviewing with a student from Bournmouth University about the Social Impact of The Gender Fest and he is interested in talking to TG people who would like to share views. Anyone who would like to be involved can contact Mike via myself. Also company wishing to develop accessibility for their services or any TG member, partner or family who shares my vision of 'A Great Place in The World' for the TG Community can access my services via my website, e-mail or telephone - anonymously if required.

warm regards
Lynne Paris
Diversity Coach
http://www.my-diversity-coaching-gymn.net/
Together Everything Becomes Possible
Tel 07795498733

Friday, November 2, 2007

THE GENDER FEST, THE POINT, EASTLEIGH - 5TH NOV

Everything is set for an excellent evening at The Gender Fest at The Point in Eastleigh, Hampshire on Monday 5th November 7.00pm - 11.00 pm .

The programme will include a Make Up Demo which will be enhanced by ModelMake Up Professional for both male and female who specialises in using light reflective makeup and feminising make up. She has published in Vogue and OK Magazine. There will be a Laser Therapy Presentation , Wig Display, Fashion Rails, Demonstration of how to fit and wear a Victorian Corset by Vollers Corsets. Lots of information and contacts ( also for partners, families and female to male transexuals) will be available from My Diversity Coaching Gymn . The Beaumont Society will have a presence, as will The New Therapy Rooms launched by Tina Livingstone, and we have now been approached by an Intersex Specialist who will be present.

Clearly there will be lots to discuss at the Gender Fest and opportunities to purchase goods and get discounts (and sometimes free services time permitting) . This is all set in a very smart venue with relaxing settings and friendly supportive staff. The aim is to have fun whilst making useful contacts and picking up tips to make your life more comfortable and less stressful. Whatever your TG issue is you will find support at The Gender Fest.

To make the evening more enjoyable there will be a short original music set with award winning singer songwriter and also TG singer songer writer Rachel Livingstone with songs that are really relevant to TG - Can You See The Girl, The Phoenix and also Discrimination. The evening will wind up with TG Bridget singing a couple of cover songs.

There is a bar, substantial buffet and The Mayor will be calling in to offer support to the TG Community. All this for an unbelievable £7.00 per head ( £5.00 concessions ) thanks to support from Eastleigh Council and Min Partner Head of Diversity and Equality.

There will be a strong police presence to ensure safety for all guests and changing facilities
for people who would prefer not to arrive dressed. The venue is completely private for the event and will be ticket only for people who share an interest in the TG Community so discretion is guaranteed. Parking is available in Sainsbury's car park - just a 2 min walk fro The Point and the police will be present to ensure safety.

Tickets are available from the Box Office at the Point, Eastleigh ( see events page on my website for more details http://www.my-diversity-coaching-gymn.net/ ) Any problems obtaining tickets ( worries about identity, bank payments etc ) contact Min Partner direct ( see website for mobile no). Any tickets that are not sold at the Box Office will be available on the door but it would be wise to ring Min to reserve.

Friday, September 7, 2007

DATE FOR GENDER FEST

I am delighted to announce that the Gender Fest has been scheduled for 5th November 2007 at 7.00 pm which is a Monday evening and therefore less likely to clash with any bonfire celebrations. We are keeping the venue, which is very accessible in South Hampshire, UK, secret for the time being to increase security but I can tell you that it is a well appointed and safe venue with private changing rooms for utmost discretion and security will be in place. The venue will be totally dedicated to the event and no unassociated people will be permitted into the building.

Current plans are to charge £7.00 per ticket £5.00 concessions which will include a buffet meal. There is a very attractive bar on site. This pricing represents very good value for money.

The Gender Fest is an important step for the TG campaign because I am working in partnership with local government which means that the needs of transgender people and their families will be included in the Community Strategy and developed in a gentle non threatening manner to fully support TG's. All existing TG organisations and charities will be encouraged to collaborate in the event. The intent is that this should become an annual event that grows organically to enhance existing events and services.

All interested parties are invited to a planning meeting at 7.00 pm at The Council Offices in Eastleigh ( see Eastleigh Government Website for directions) . The main point of contact in The Council is the Head of Equality and Diversity Division -- Min Partner who is happy for interested parties to contact her directly on her personal mobile to avoid any undue embarrassment.

Min Partner -- Landline 02380688439 (UK numbers)
Mobile 07768486326

Alternatively anyone who prefers an external contact may ring myself

Lynne Paris 07795498733 (UK Mobile) - any contact can be totally anonymous

The draft programme design has been put together following considerable research in the field and also in consultation with an International Mastermind Group of which I am a member. It will be published shortly on my website as a basic template so that interested parties can now collaborate in detailed planning. My hope is that this event will be an opportunity to strengthen TG services and provide an opportunity for experts in the field to put their heads together and influence government provision of services and funding at grass roots level so that they support the people and families out there who are isolated, frightened and in some cases feeling suicidal.

Please contact me by email if you have any questions about the event or if you wish to participate in any way.

Lynne Paris
Diversity Coach - Together Everything Becomes Possible
http://www.my-diversity-coaching-gymn.net/

Friday, July 6, 2007

COMING SOON - TRANSGENDER BUSINESS TOOLS COACHING GYMN - BSY COLLEGE CURRICULUM


I have been asked to design a coaching course for companies and organisations who would like to develop great transgender policies, schemes and procedures.This course will be evaluated for inclusion in the course curriculum at BSY Online College. I am currently in the design stage and would be interested in hearing examples of the most difficult situations and any suggestions that would make working life better for transgender people and their work colleagues. I've done a considerable amount of research but always place great value in consulting with key people - ie people who are involved in some way either personally or professionally.
I'd be delighted to hear your comments lynne.paris@my-diversity-coaching-gymn.net


Do you feel stuck with your organisations response to Diversity Duty and how to develop a Scheme which demonstrates commitment to providing a safe and respectful environment for transgender people to work in? It's hardly surprising given the volume of European legislation that business has to implement.

Can you bear another day trawling through endless business and public sector websites to crib schemes, action plans and behaviours from other organisations and then attempt to adapt them to your own business, which feels a bit like wearing a dress two sizes too big/small and inside out. Invariably the style and content are so long and tedious that it would bore the pants off even the most anal Director or Executive Board Member.

Briefing for David Blunkett, former UK Secretary of State was challenging and sometimes difficult because of his visual impairment and because it was an exercise in communicating complex and difficult issues very briefly and simply to transfer to audiotape. This experience fostered, in me, a strong dislike of wieldy, inaccessible documents that demand the victim take a power snooze before even contemplating a read.

If you are looking for something concise and a perfect fit for your organisation, don't let others dictate what you want your transgender policies to look like - tell me what you want and I will listen and incorporate them into the design for the new Transgender Equality Business Tools Coaching Gymn to develop great transgender policies for your business.

I will be unable to respond to emails -- which may as always be anonymous -- until I return from summer in France.

Together everything becomes possible
Lynne Paris
Diversity Coach

Friday, June 22, 2007

Transgender Conference 2007


I was privileged to do some coaching at the recent Transgender Conference at University of East Anglia in Norwich in June 2007. The Barbara Ross Association, which was launched on 6th October 2006 was at the heart of the Conference. Barbara Ross works tirelessly for everyone interested in or concerned with Transgender issues and is a wonderfully warm and frankly amazing woman.
The conference line up included top names in a variety of transgender fields surgical, trans rights, psychotherapy and biological as well as presentations from public sector organisations. It was varied, interesting and intense. I would recommend attending this conference which will no doubt be held again in the future. I am taking a leaf out of Dr. Douglas Ousterhout,s book by offering 20% discount on any coaching programme to anyone who attended the conference.
Likewise I intend to join the Barbara Ross Association shortly.

warm regards
Lynne

Friday, May 25, 2007

Media sympathetic towards trans people perhaps?

In my last blog post I mentioned my belief that Society is beoming more accepting of TG/TV people. I don't know whether my perception is just more tuned into transgender issues - the way that once you start thinking of a red Mercedes every other car seems to be a red Mercedes- but there have been at least two serial/soaps on UK television lately that have carried storylines of TG/TV men coming out to partners.

Did this end in sadness - divorce - trauma? Well, naturally wives were traumatised, which is entirely understandable when you discover that the man you married turns out to be someone else, but the storyline ended in both programmes with wives deciding that the relationship with their husband was too valuable to lose and worth fighting for.

Hopefully programmes such as these reflect a shift in social attitudes towards the issues of TG/TV. Soaps, although not popular with everyone are a fantastic way of influencing and educating the population and I hope to see more examples of positive storylines about people with TG/TV issues. TV Fictions ( along with other media and creative arts) are as powerful influencers of change, in my opinion, as documentaries if only because difficult issues can more easily be introduced as part of ordinary, everyday life - which of course they are.

But, of course,this is only my opinion.........

Lynne Paris
Diversity Coach

Friday, May 4, 2007

My Programmes are a Catalyst for Transgender People to Step into A Great Place in The World'

Call me naively optimistic if you like, but I believe that The World is on the cusp of becoming a place where transgendered people are more accepted and respected for their differences- a world where transgendered people can be themselves without feeling guilty for being different, a world without fear of derision and violence, a world where opportunity exists to earn a living and achieve what they want just like the next person - no more, no less.
I don't think that this is too much to expect for anyone regardless of issues that are faced. I believe that if you hold a vision of what sort of life you truly wish to have, focus on that vision, tune into your intuitive self and trust that the door will open for you to 'Step into a Great Place in The World' that the universe will start to re-order itself to provide what you desire. You will be amazed at what can happen when you place yourself in a place of appreciation and a receiving state and consider what you want a done deal. I have experienced this at a personal level but don't take my word for it - why not try my free 14 day online coaching programme ' Step into a Great Place in The World'. It's totally anonymous and free - check out the products page on my website --you have everything to gain and nothing to lose.

Lynne Paris
Diversity Coach
www.my-diversity-coaching-gymn.net
My website is currently being reviewed and may not be available at times during the next month - please contact me for any details.
If you do not wish to recieve further non sales information please reply asking to be removed from my blog group.

Friday, April 20, 2007

GENDER FEST CELEBRATION

My mastermind team are planning a small celebration because we have been given the opportunity to create a strategic alliance with local government to progress the vision of 'A Great Place in The World' for transgender people.

Why is this so important?

We feel that provision for the transgender community has been left behind by communities in their efforts to create a diverse service for everyone. Transgender Groups are often grouped with GBLT provision when the needs and issues are different. This is not a criticism however as various consultations have failed to attract feedback from the people who most need the support. No surprise there then! It is likely that The Gender Fest will become a key part of local government delivery in their Diversity Strategy and we are meeting to discuss how to make this happen in a sensitive and discrete manner. This process may delay the first Gender Fest a little but it will be worth waiting to strengthen the event so that it will run annually and draw in mainstream support but in a way that most suits the transgender community.

We would be delighted to recieve your thoughts and ideas on how to make this work best for transgender groups, partners and families.

Lynne Paris
Diversity Coach
lynne.paris@my-diversity-coaching-gymn.net

Wednesday, April 4, 2007

Gender Fest an Easter Message

Easter sees the detailed planning and design phase in progress for the Gender Fest to be held in Southern England in Spring. There have been some exciting developments arising from networking with strategic partners. We are hoping to deliver an event that will be really enjoyable and focus on the positive energy of the Transgender Community. Currently we are canvassing opinion from the Transgender Community so that the Gender Fest will exactly suit their needs. After some discussion we have a selection of venues that would be suitable for the event and again are canvassing opinion on the most popular venue for our clients . All enquiries should be forwarded to lynne.paris@my-diversity-coaching-gymn.net



My coaching programmes are a Catalyst for Transgender People to Step into a Great Place in The World.


Lynne Paris
Diversity Coach
www.my-diversity-coaching-gymn.net

Together Everything Becomes Possible

Tuesday, March 27, 2007

WOULD YOU PREFER TO REMAIN ANONYMOUS?

My programmes are a catalyst for Transgender people to 'Step into a Great Place in The World' which is fantastic if you are ready to reach your full potential right now. It's pretty scary to take the steps you want to take without knowing what the future holds. Once you have made the first move to talk to someone it will feel that there is no going back. How can you begin to take those first steps without closing the way back to a place where no-one knows your secret or who you are?

That's simple. I have set up all my business processes so that you can do business with me without anyone ( including myself) knowing who you are. Unlike most businesses I don't ask for contact details before you can access my services. You would need an email address, unless you prefer telephone contact, but this email address can be under a pseudo name if you wish. If you want to join the gymn you don't even need an email address - just a pseudo name and password and these details are not held on file by either myself or my internet provider so what could you possibly lose by calling into My Diversity Coaching Gymn to say hello?

How Cool is that?

Lynne Paris
Diversity Coach
www.my-diversity-coaching-gymn.net

Free Gymn Sessions ' Steeping into a Great Place in the World' on the last Tuesday of every month at 21.00 pm (UK time)

Saturday, March 3, 2007

Changing The Goal Posts

When I was a child I knew that if my parents promised something that it would happen. This meant that I developed an integrity system grounded in reliability which meant that my word is my bond and once I have made a commitment I do my best to keep my promises . What my parents failed to explain is that sadly I would be faced with many situations in my work and personal life where people would not think twice about changing their minds or letting me down.

It has taken me some years to stop taking this personally and just to accept the situation as ‘ someone else’s stuff’ which is probably one of the most liberating personal developments that I have experienced. Not being attached to an outcome removes all manner of barriers to tackling tasks and ventures that hitherto I would have talked myself out of before I began due to fear of failure or rejection or making a fool of myself.

So why do I mention this now? Because the goal posts for a project have changed in more than one way and for the first time today I realised that I haven’t let someone else’s actions paralyse me and stop me progressing towards my goals. I took a deep breath and carried on planning in the full knowledge that there will be folk that criticise, speculate, sabotage and support me for a host of different reasons. That’s fine. Now that I am not personally attached to the outcome my energy is released and I am able to listen to my intuition and get out of my own way.

I am comfortable in putting myself out in the universe as authentically and simply as possible knowing that I will attract the people and circumstances into my life that are great for me – those that I can connect with on a respectful and uncomplicated level. I can’t find the words to explain what a great feeling it is to connect like this. My life feels full of peace and mostly quite joyous. I no longer feel afraid or isolated in the way that I once did.

Changing the goal posts is no longer a problem and doesn’t phase me anymore. It’s just another door opening. The ability to ‘ not be attached to the outcome’ is something that I love to work on with my clients. Together Everything Becomes Possible.

Lynne Paris
Diversity Coach
www.my-diversity-coaching-gymn.net

Tuesday, February 20, 2007

GENDER FEST -- DRAFT FLIER

PROBABLY THE WORLDS FIRST GENDER FEST


FOR TV AND TRANSGENDER PEOPLE WHO WANT TO ENJOY AN INTERESTING EVENING AND PICK UP SOME TIPS ON ENHANCING THEIR FEMININE SIDE. YOU ARE WELCOME TO BRING PARTNERS AT MUCH REDUCED COST

TICKETS SHORTLY AVAILABLE ONLINE www.my-diversity-coaching-gymn.net

VENUE - SOUTH COAST UK (tbc)
APRIL 2007 - 7 PM ( date tbc)

KEY NOTE SPEAKER – tbc
MAKE UP DEMO
FASHION MAKEOVER
HAIR /WIG DEMO
LASER TALK
VOICE WORKSHOP
LIVE MUSIC

My Diversity Coaching Gymn
Resources Board
Local Gender Friendly Business Table
Partners Vision Board
Health Displays

Hosted by Lynne Paris , Diversity Coach
http://www.my-diversity-coaching-gymn.net/
07795498733

Tuesday, February 13, 2007

POSSIBLY THE WORLD'S FIRST GENDER FEST


CALL TO ACTION -- BOOK YOUR TICKECTS FOR MY FIRST EVER GENDER FEST.

GENDER FEST is a pioneer event designed to break down barriers between Society and transgender people and to be a ‘Catalyst for Transgender People to find a Great Place in The World.’ It will provide a safe environment where people who want to understand more about transgender issues can learn and have fun in a relaxed informal manner. More details soon.

Why this? Why now?

Should Society fit the People or Should the People fit Society? This question is at the heart of the majority of my coaching. My philosophy is that Society should be a respectful place where people of all diverse natures co-exist. Sadly Society with it’s written and unwritten laws and prejudice falls short of this ideal. Europe strives to redress this balance through Human Rights and equality legislation and I seem to find myself at the cutting edge of the wave of reform. I have been described as a pioneer and to some extent this is true. I have the ability to connect to a future that doesn’t seem obvious to everyone.

I first became aware of vision 15 years ago during what I describe as the technological revolution in British Government. I imagined communication as people networked together and sharing resources via intranets and gave a talk to the IT group in a major government dept. Ten years ago I was the founder member of a Cultural Festival which still happens annually and has broken down the barriers between culturally different groups in a city. My programmes , for which I received an award , created a structure to re-engage young socially excluded people and integrate them back into society. My niche then was Special Needs such as dyslexia and ADHD.

Following this I was invited to coach The Cabinet Office Disability Working Group to change perceptions of Disabled People. The single most significant issue that is common to all these situations is FEAR. Fear of the unknown. Fear of the misunderstood. Fear of being discriminated against if you associate with people who don ‘t fit with societies perception of normal. I find myself drawn to working at the edge and using my creative ability create harmony between ‘normal society’ and people who don’t fit the mould ( if in fact any of us really do) This incredibly interesting life’s work has placed me at the door of the Transgender Society where I can feel the terror of intelligent gentle people struggling against all odds just to live in peace without the fear of discrimination and violence. My heart goes out to them and for that reason I have pledged to do what I am able to break down barriers for transgender people – of which there are many and develop programmes that are a Catalyst for Transgender People to Step into a Great Place in The World. I know that I will attract the people that I need to work collaboratively with me to achieve this. And , yes, I do feel scared by what I am doing but at the same time excited. If you would like to be involved I would love to hear from you – discretion guaranteed – at lynne.paris@my-diversity-coaching-gymn.net

Lynne Paris

Friday, January 26, 2007

Together Everything is Possible


Hot off the press -- Must Have Publication for Transgender People who want to explain what living with gender dysphoria is really like. A brilliant read also for partners, family and employers of people with gender dysphoria.
I am a catalyst for transgender people to find their rightful place in the world - free coaching at site www.my-diversity-coaching-gymn.net

Coaching Exclusion

www.my-diversity-coaching-gymn.net


Coaching Exclusion


Life Coaching provides opportunities for academic establishments and local education authorities to tackle the thorny issues of pupils with special needs and challenging behaviour more effectively.

Surviving in the Real World

Newly Developed Educational Product
tackling practical issues for

Challenging Pupils

‘This product has been developed following practical research and work with a group of excluded teenagers over a seven year period All of the group have now fully integrated into society and are independent. Two of the group obtained Advanced Millenium Awards for Voluntary Sector activity.’

Challenging behaviour and bad communication cannot be compensated for by a good general education when you are ‘in the real world’. In the real world the ability to survive is significantly affected by how effectively you can communicate with officials in organisations that impact on everyday living resources – banks, inland revenue, doctors, dentists and how you manage relationships with bosses, staff and partners.

Pupils with challenging behaviour are often pupils who have not received appropriate coaching on how to behave in different situations in order to maximise their potential. Learning how the system works and how ‘fitting in’ can benefit you will transform situations and minimise contra indications to a better lifestyle.

A person centred holistic approach to independence which focuses more on interpersonal skills and how to challenge appropriately will ultimately enable pupils with difficult issues to integrate more effectively into schools and later into the wider community. This seems an infinitely more inviting prospect than excluding challenging pupils who may join the criminal ranks in order to survive, thus impacting on the lives of everyone in society.

For more details and fees contact
Lynne Paris
Diversity Coach
07795 498733

www.my-diversity-coaching-gymn.net
Please note that although gender dysphoria is a target market – I also have significant experience working with dyslexia and ADHD
Copywrite Lynne Paris January 2003

Friday, January 19, 2007

Free Coaching online at www.my-diversity-coaching-gymn.net





GET WHAT YOU WANT – REACH THE NEXT LEVEL
www.my-diversity-coaching-gymn-net





WELCOME TO MY DIVERSITY COACHING GYMN FOR COMPANIES. PEOPLE AND PARTNERS DEALING WITH IMPACT OF GENDER DYSPHORIA AND REASSIGNMENT

FREE ONLINE COACHING –LAST TUESDAY MONTH 20.30 UK TIME
TOPIC --'IF WORK'S NOT FUN THEN IT'S NOT WORKING'
BUY ONLINE–INSTANT DOWNLOAD -TRANSGENDER LETTER TO PARTNER
A ' MUST HAVE' PUBLICATION FOR ANY PERSON, PARTNER OR RELATIVE OR EMPLOYER SEEKING TO UNDERSTAND WHAT LIVING WITH GENDER DYSPHORIA IS REALLY LIKE -- TRUE STORY BY TIFFANY
tel 07795 498733 email lynne.paris@my-diversity-coaching-gymn.net