Channel 4 Documentary

[thefraj (imported)]

Well, it's been an exciting couple of weeks; and the huge amount of media attention made me feel like I should ask my communities' advice.

A friend brought around a copy of Wednesdays the UKs Liverpool Echo newspaper from the 4th of April 2007, which also ran an article about me (and us). It is probably the best one yet, and emphasizes the size and caring nature of the community. I think the Independent article has already been posted, and I will hopefully post the Echo one in the news section on EA shortly.

A couple of days ago, I (apparently!) appeared me in an article on our local Southport website (http://www.southportforums.com/forums/s ... post669943). To begin with, many of the user comments by locals were rather nasty, but after a nice little chat with the understanding person who runs the website - has since been pruned of unconstructive slander and stands as a relatively positive piece.

This leads me to the advice I felt I needed. There is talk of a (possible) further appearance on national television. Though I don't want to get into the specifics at this moment. I realize how little right I have to speak on behalf of the community as a whole. We have this window of opportunity to present ourselves to the public, and my words and actions are likely to leave a lasting impression. I want it to be an impression that everyone is happy with and we can be proud of, and raise the issues you would like to be raised.

Any thoughts/opinions or comments about this and the related Channel 4 documentary would be greatly welcomed!

[tugon (imported)]

thefraj I must say that you and I feel the same on so many issues involving voluntary castration. Please just be yourself.

[homptydumpty (imported)]

fraj, you have it in you to make a good impression on the world. knowing you from your posts, you are an aura of positive energy, i am sure that will resonate threw whatever channel it is presented with. weather you speak on behalf of the community or yourself, keep it real, for thats all its really worth.

there are so many issues to be raised when asked what is most important how is one to decide. i think you have an idea as the rest of use do that not just support and understanding is needed for use eunuchs / seekers of castration. we need medical attention. some research and evaluation, for scientific understanding...

or something like that...

z

[Uncle Flo (imported)]

All you can do is speak for yourself. You are a thoughtful individual so I have no fears about you expressing your opinions. You have represented our group well thus far, if someone rejects your statements or misinterprets them it wouldn't be because you didn't express yourself clearly. --FLO--

[Paolo]

Fraj,

I'll ship the spare light saber right over.

Feel free to slash away at will at those who would provoke you.

Other than that, you go, buddy!

I mean, who could make nasty comments to a face that cute?!

[lurkrwolf (imported)]

Everyone has been very nice so far. The complication is that one of my jobs is at a highschool. Some of the pupils have already told me they saw me on TV in the trailer already mentioned. This did worry me, as I'm sure - eventually - a parent will find out, and become (understandibly?) upset. Perhaps they are here reading these words now?

Fraj:

Of all the people who could be working with children, a hetero/non-sexual male I'd think would be one of the most non-threatening people to be around them. Nowdays we keep hearing reports of the 20/30-something female teacher having sex with teenage boys, or the (totally unfounded) stereotypical fear of the gay men and teenage boys. Are parents going to be worried that somehow you will try to recruit their sons into voluntarily having their balls off too? From what I know of teenage boys, most all of them seem

quite happy on keeping them right where they are.

Have watched the documentary on Ch4. What a waste of time. Nearly an hour of program to find out there are some guys out there who want to remove their testicles. I thought the

whole thing was a waste of time and very light weight.

amm_uk:

You have to keep in mind that regular visitors of the EA were not necessarily the primary audience that this program was intended for. For random Joe & Susie Q Public who might have never have otherwise even known this sort of community or mindset exists, I thought it was a well put together piece that showed a fair light on the subject w/o being judgmental or exploitive.

It allowed people to get an awareness of the topic w/o trying to be too graphic, too sensationalist, or trying to cover too many different segments (involuntary eunuchs, strictly TG, intersexed, eunuchs from birth, religious eunuchs, etc) and either not being able to spend as much time with each, or ending up being 5 hours long. Most "normal" people, esp men, would think someone was crazy for wanting their balls cut off. This program served to show that there are rational, otherwise normal people who do.

Telling people we exist is the first step to getting more official support and help for it so maybe people dont have to travel thousands of miles, or suffer for 5 years and repeated burdizzo attempts to get what they feel they need.

[sapient (imported)]

As far as I can tell, you're doing a great job. The only thing I can add is this - there is no way of making sure you give an "accurate portrayal" of a diverse community - because its so diverse. So don't worry. Be yourself, and let that speek for the community.

[thefraj (imported)]

I wanted to thank you all for your sweet comments and great advice. Thank you zxas12! I'm so glad you thought so! I agree with Dingbat that I had tremendous trouble relating to both brother Benedict and Bill, although I absolutely respect them as people! And I think it all is a great credit to Danny (our director) for including a varied selection of people who are archetypal of the sorts of people we are likely to find in our communtiy. And thanks to Paolo - with your lightsabre we can rule the galaxy as father and son! LOL. And an especially great thank you to Z You came across as a real sweetheart in the docu. And every female I've spoken to says so ^_^

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>I'm not sure what happened to the rest of my post here.<

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I don't want to re-post in case it was edited for my own protection, (which I respect!), but would just like to know. But be listening to the Stephen Nolan show at around 11pm - Midnight on Saturday 14th April!

[dingbat (imported)]

Hi,

I'm sure you'll do a great job with both interviews and I wish you luck (not that you'll need it), you're a great representative and you come across as articulate and compassionate.

Please, though, please, please be careful with Stephen Nolan. He is what's known as a 'shock jock' and the main aim of his programme is to annoy the listener's enough to make them angry and 'phone in. He then conducts a combative programme. He, himself, is usually very reasonable, but he paraphrases interviewees incorrectly all the time and he often makes comments which the interviewees don't get a chance to come back on. I'm a big fan of R5live but I honestly can't stand his programme, it's switch off for me when he comes on as his approach is intended to be shocking in a not very nice way. He has a big 'God squad' listenership who are always only too willing to pick up the 'phone! Like I said, Stephen Nolan himself does not appear to be an unpleasant person but his ethical approach to the subjects he covers is a bit dodgy (just my opinion).

I just wouldn't like you to feel hurt by anything, that would really uspet me.

(Oh, oops, you've edited your post now so mine doesn't make much sense, sorry. If I've said something in this post that you didn't want up on the board can you please ask one of the moderators to remove it? Thanks.)

[thefraj (imported)]

Thanks for the heads up Dingbat and I didn't actually edit my post. But SOMEONE did. I just tidied it up to reflect the huge chunk that was removed. Would greatful for any clarification on that one. Not that I'm bothered, but it is only politeness to let users know!

Thank you for all your advice - I will bear it in mind! I would be greatful for any further comments about Stephen Nolan as I prepare for tomorrow.