thefraj thank you and the others for putting yourselves out there to help educate the general public. I look forward to seeing the documentary and plan on sharing this with others. I do not have the courage to be in a video but I will make sure some professionals in my community view it.

I will be proud to say that is my friend in the documentary!

I do not encourage anyone to copy, distribute, share, or otherwise cut into the revenue stream of those who have made this documentary.

That being said, we are living in the 21st century. Television shows have a tendency to turn up in torrents, posted to usenet, or shared through P2P programs. Sometimes, they are on the net within 2-3 hours of their being broadcast on television.

I again stress though, watch it on television when it comes to your area. Perhaps even let the channel know you liked it. If the producers make money from this, perhaps we may see more interest. Or at the very least, they may deserve a reward for producing perhaps the most positive (or at least balanced) view of our corner of the asylum.

Re this programme , i was interviewed by Tania although i dont appear in the programme, the only thing that horrified me was, that at the time i was interviewed, i had quiet got round to explaining to my new partner, how or why i hadnt got anyballs i just was just quite content for him to like me for me, and not for anyother reason, it was suggested by tania that wouldnt i be interested in telling him while being taped for the programe- as in no was my reply and have had nothing to do with them since, now because of this programme i have removed all details or how to contact me on this web site, i am considering removing my profile and re registering

i have always been open about my status, but some over scrutiny into my life and my private work /life worries me. My fear is that this programme is double edged, yes it may help many but it also may bring the wrong kind of attention- also my concern is i know some of the contributors, too, i have never discussed anyone elses status position how safe is mine and my details

Yes, exposure IS a double edged sword. It may be necessary for the community, and for developing a better understanding in society as a whole. But the individuals participating in that first exposure may feel very alone doing it. Thefraj and anyone else daring to do that deserve huge credit.

In the long run even some of the unbalanced exposure may have a good benefit. If there are enough "freak shows" on the matter, the public gets numb and the freak value wears of. But that is an even higher price to pay - especially so for the individual who often don't know what they are getting into.

I guess - cynic as I am sometimes - that often it has to start with the "freak shows" though, to generate any interest and awareness at all. If this documentary is balanced and has depth, maybe we can all hope that we have started to pass that stage.

A lot of really good british documentaries are bought by swedish television and broadcasted here. I hope that this one makes it.

Just a quick newsflash everyone! this weeks issue of the UKs Reveal magazine which hits the shelves today has an exclusive interview with me on page 32, and The Independant has a double-page spread in the heath section. Both of which were extremely positive! And - oddly enough for someone so ugly - included some nice photos! All mention our community, and I'm quick to stress that I am not the only one, but one of many.

And I've just been lucky enough to speak with a lovely girl from the Liverpool Echo, which will be running an article tomorrow! And - (hopefully!) - will be the best one yet! I'm praying, and a little nervous about the reception of the documentary itself. And I'm lucky enough to be watching it with some close friends who's support is so needed at this point in my life.

I hope all this publicity will help raise peoples' awareness and generate further - hopefully positive - media interest.

Fraj,

That's no way to talk about the reporter.

Ugly media folks need love too.

The article in The Independent is very positive. I will properly format it for easy reading before posting it here. But, in the meantime, you can read it directly on the newspaper's web site. They also deserve a high hit count for it. I plan to write directly to the reporter to thank her for her sensative work.

No Sex Please (http://news.independent.co.uk/uk/health ... 415348.ece)

That was an excellent article. I thought that it really approached the subject in an unbiased and truthful way. The reporter stated the facts without putting a personal spin on it. It is nice to see that some people in the media are open to looking at new ideas and ways of life in such a light. Hopefully the documentary will be along the same lines. Fraj, you should feel very proud of yourself. It appears that you represented the community in a dignified, honest, open, and good way. Your efforts seem to have helped to produce some much needed resources to give the world insight into the lives, motivations, and thoughts of the people who belong here. Also, it will hopefully help others who have this desire yet either feel all alone and don't know where to find out information. You're helping to raise awareness and open the world's eyes to this choice. Thanks for all your hard work and good luck as the documentary airs. Take care!

Indeed a very excellent article. It shows you as person, not as a freek. I also hope this article and maybe the documentary will help change attitude of people towards the community.

Thefray, I have to congratulate you. A lot has to go through your head now. Hope you're doing fine !

Vesal.

An excelent article and I'm looking forward to the documentary. As is my way with these things I'm worried. There will be a backlash from all of this attention. The usual " I know best and no other opinion counts" people will be working hard to make sure this positive approach counts for as little as possible. There will be calls to eradicate the "perverts". There will be shouts of "crime against nature". There will be calls to psychoanalyze anyone who has ever had a desire to alter their sexuality (The poor things are quite mad, you know). Some of our members, friends and even strangers to us who feel the need to change their body are emotionaly fragile as it is, we need to be aware and offer them all the support they deserve and require if this issue heats up. --FLO--