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Mermaids Digifest is taking place this Saturday. https://mermaidsuk.org.uk/digifest2020/
Just look at the guest list! D through to Z list.
It's needed because they're cash strapped.
Get your tiny violins out!
Okay so I've signed up to Twitch TV, which is broadcasting the Mermaids digifest telethon. They haven't given a start time, but said it begins at 'breakfast'.
What time is 'breakfast' these days?
What time is 'breakfast' these days?
Hey! It's now live and Susie is the VJ and MB is helping out.
If they raise 15K Susie's going to dye her hair pink.
#braveandstunning
If they raise 15K Susie's going to dye her hair pink.
#braveandstunning
Here's another Mermaids employee, Christina. She works on the helpline and the helpline will be open all day. More kids are calling during lockdown.
Reminiscing about the AGM now
Reminiscing about the AGM now
Christina sharing the details of one of her confidential webchats with us - they told her she was old.
'Do you let our guardians know what we tell you?' come the question.
Christina says names of callers are stored in the CRM - and that info is only shared with parents
'Do you let our guardians know what we tell you?' come the question.
Christina says names of callers are stored in the CRM - and that info is only shared with parents
if there is 'self harm' is mentioned. They would contact social services, parents (maybe) but they do consider self-harm a safeguarding issue.
MB asked whether he is aware of Mermaids. Yes, he has heard of it but keen to know more.
Ayla, is now being interviewed. Patron
MB asked whether he is aware of Mermaids. Yes, he has heard of it but keen to know more.
Ayla, is now being interviewed. Patron
at Mermaids. He has given role model talks at Mermaid's residential.
Able to talk about things now we weren't able to do ten years ago.
What about Ayla's activism SG asks?
Able to talk about things now we weren't able to do ten years ago.
What about Ayla's activism SG asks?
Ooh very draining, says Ayla, involved in local pressure groups, etc. Have to keep the energy going.
SG to MB same question:
Being trans is amazing, comes with negative things too.
Also a 14 year old girl is part of the web chat - it's not clear her parents are aware.
SG to MB same question:
Being trans is amazing, comes with negative things too.
Also a 14 year old girl is part of the web chat - it's not clear her parents are aware.
The year 10 girl is happy not to be at school and has sent her a drawing of Rick Astley (?) on the wall behind.
MB: What is learning at home like?
Girl: Chaotic.
SG: Thanks to Ayla, Christina, and the 14 yo - who is going to make a trans fog. Link to Jackie's (son of
MB: What is learning at home like?
Girl: Chaotic.
SG: Thanks to Ayla, Christina, and the 14 yo - who is going to make a trans fog. Link to Jackie's (son of
SG) a singing along to an Elton John backing track. It's a pre-recorded video, so it's not clear whether it has been done specially for this or not, certainly no message was given indicating that it was.
Dr Harrop just donates ÂŁ500 to the fund.
241 people are watching.
Dr Harrop just donates ÂŁ500 to the fund.
241 people are watching.
Despite sending about 30 messages telling SG that she is now on mute she has failed to press the button.
Cue another teen, 13 year old girl identifying as they/them.
SG shouting out to Adrian Harrop.
Cue another teen, 13 year old girl identifying as they/them.
SG shouting out to Adrian Harrop.
Kellie M. is now being interviewed.
SG: You were previously manager of Lennox Lewis. How are you coping with isolation?
KM: Is in Portugal at his house in the middle of nowhere. Likes being alone, so is not bothered by self-isolation. Locals aren't bothered by his presence
SG: You were previously manager of Lennox Lewis. How are you coping with isolation?
KM: Is in Portugal at his house in the middle of nowhere. Likes being alone, so is not bothered by self-isolation. Locals aren't bothered by his presence
His daughters are finding it difficult. Is making society more accepting of other people. (Have no idea why teens would find KM interesting or want to hear from him).
KM 'we're all hoooman' and 'us trans people do get the bumps'
As Frank I was very single minded, but since
KM 'we're all hoooman' and 'us trans people do get the bumps'
As Frank I was very single minded, but since
transition he has improved his understanding of himself and sees more nuances.
MB: Agrees. It's a gift. Medically transitioned at 23. Able to navigate the world in a different way. It's a gift to see other peoples' journey.
MB: Agrees. It's a gift. Medically transitioned at 23. Able to navigate the world in a different way. It's a gift to see other peoples' journey.
SG to KM: Significant moments?
KM: When I could look at himself and see the real 'me'. Either he needed to have transition, or else do something (alludes to suicide), but was prepared to lose everything.
Still in contact with ex-wife, but did lose career, but now going to
KM: When I could look at himself and see the real 'me'. Either he needed to have transition, or else do something (alludes to suicide), but was prepared to lose everything.
Still in contact with ex-wife, but did lose career, but now going to
get back into boxing. Big Brother helped, but was probably too soon for him to go in. Had full gender reassignment, nurse asked 'do you want to see what we've done?'. Said 'no' - had to wait for 2-3 weeks because couldn't bear it. But it was the most magical moment when he
finally see the spoils.
The 13 year old is asked by SG whether it's inspirational to hear this story.
Now Natasha is introduced, I don't know the last name, talking about misrepresentation of trans people in the media. Natasha works in schools and colleges.
The 13 year old is asked by SG whether it's inspirational to hear this story.
Now Natasha is introduced, I don't know the last name, talking about misrepresentation of trans people in the media. Natasha works in schools and colleges.
MB to Natasha: What is most concerning?
N: Not listening to young people. We need to ban the word 'snowflake' and creates divisions between parents and kids.
SG: Language can be used to damage self-esteem, invalidating trans kids. Huge thank you to KM.
N: Not listening to young people. We need to ban the word 'snowflake' and creates divisions between parents and kids.
SG: Language can be used to damage self-esteem, invalidating trans kids. Huge thank you to KM.
KM: I'll see you on the speaking circuit soon. Family most important to transition.
Another Mermaids patron, Annie Wallace, is now being interviewed.
AGM for Press for Change in 2000 was the first time AW came across Mermaids.
Another Mermaids patron, Annie Wallace, is now being interviewed.
AGM for Press for Change in 2000 was the first time AW came across Mermaids.
'If only this had existed when I was a child'.
Now MB, 'I wish I had Mermaids when I was a kid'. SG, do you want to be a patron? Accepts role as a patron - breaking news.
AW and MB have met at the National Portrait Gallery a fundraiser. (All of them know each other)
Now MB, 'I wish I had Mermaids when I was a kid'. SG, do you want to be a patron? Accepts role as a patron - breaking news.
AW and MB have met at the National Portrait Gallery a fundraiser. (All of them know each other)
SG to kid: How do you feel about MB now being a patron?
Kid: Yeah, exciting.
MB: Hopefully I'll get to meet you soon.
Kid now doing song. (Or not doing song, so SG talking to MB about patron role, will finalise the details later. MB so excited. Kid still not doing song.)
Kid: Yeah, exciting.
MB: Hopefully I'll get to meet you soon.
Kid now doing song. (Or not doing song, so SG talking to MB about patron role, will finalise the details later. MB so excited. Kid still not doing song.)
Kid now doing song. It's the only bit of entertainment so far and respite from SG VJ-ing.
God this has been going on for an hour! ÂŁ1,500 has been raised.
Now handing over to this twat Olly and Dr James who is a vet on CBBC. Pronouns being given out. Guess what these two
God this has been going on for an hour! ÂŁ1,500 has been raised.
Now handing over to this twat Olly and Dr James who is a vet on CBBC. Pronouns being given out. Guess what these two
are he/him.
Another teen has joined the webchat - a he/him.
'Amazing line up' includes Juno and Dr Harrop.
'What breed of dog would you be?' they ask the kid.
I'd be the kind of dog always ready for a party says Dr James.
Juno Dawson is introduced and talking
Another teen has joined the webchat - a he/him.
'Amazing line up' includes Juno and Dr Harrop.
'What breed of dog would you be?' they ask the kid.
I'd be the kind of dog always ready for a party says Dr James.
Juno Dawson is introduced and talking
his dog.
(As of yet no one has mentioned the Covid-19 pandemic which is currently killing hundreds of people in the UK alone with a rising figure every day.)
Conversations about introducing cats into a pre-dog household, i.e. a conversation that most teens don't really have
(As of yet no one has mentioned the Covid-19 pandemic which is currently killing hundreds of people in the UK alone with a rising figure every day.)
Conversations about introducing cats into a pre-dog household, i.e. a conversation that most teens don't really have
to give much consideration to.
Juno watched back to back Sex in the City back to back, and did a podcast on that. One of the people in the chatbox have complimented JD on that.
JD is releasing a new book on 28 May - sticking with the release. Re-telling of Alice in
Juno watched back to back Sex in the City back to back, and did a podcast on that. One of the people in the chatbox have complimented JD on that.
JD is releasing a new book on 28 May - sticking with the release. Re-telling of Alice in
Wonderland as a '17 year old trans girl'. If people *can* pre-order that would be amazing. It's quite an 'edgy' book. Just shows a trans girl living her life.
JD appears to have had significant facial feminisation surgery.
Ashton, an artist, they/them is introduced.
JD appears to have had significant facial feminisation surgery.
Ashton, an artist, they/them is introduced.
They have won prizes. https://www.standard.co.uk/go/london/arts/evening-standard-art-prize-2018-winner-ashton-attzs-a3978291.html
Someone in the chat box, who is training to be a nurse, has asked Dr James what would be the best kind of bird to get as a pet which fit in with a busy job.
Get a chicken, says Dr James, the vet.
Attzs, the non-vet, recommends a fish for busy people.
OOh, it's very fast
Get a chicken, says Dr James, the vet.
Attzs, the non-vet, recommends a fish for busy people.
OOh, it's very fast
moving. The next guests are Fox and Owl. They have a whippet. Pronouns are they/them for both of them.
They are doing drawing during self-isolation. And talking about their book 'Are you a boy or a girl?'
Using a programme called Create to draw, that tattooists use
They are doing drawing during self-isolation. And talking about their book 'Are you a boy or a girl?'
Using a programme called Create to draw, that tattooists use
Helen Webberly? appears to be in the webchat and making comments - GenderGP.
Wow Owl has mentioned the virus. Mum accepted Owl's trans status easier than being a vegan.
Wow Owl has mentioned the virus. Mum accepted Owl's trans status easier than being a vegan.
'Have we got a doctor in the house?'
Yes we have. Dr Harrop, who no one knows.
Dr James - I think treating animals and humans are connected. Do you advise people to get pets?
Yes we have. Dr Harrop, who no one knows.
Dr James - I think treating animals and humans are connected. Do you advise people to get pets?
Dr Harrop shares his unique view that having pets can help mental health, especially in times of stress.
Dr James, their the perfect best friend. Is now a good time to think about getting a dog?
Dr Harrop, would be hard to get a new pet at the moment, and not the right time
Dr James, their the perfect best friend. Is now a good time to think about getting a dog?
Dr Harrop, would be hard to get a new pet at the moment, and not the right time
Dr James vets are only open for emergency procedures at the moment. (So why even bring the topic up.)
Olly Q to Dr H: Why am I allergic to animals?
AH: Gives allergy advice. Look for an animal you aren't allergic.
Olly: I hope I'm not allergic to unicorns.
Olly Q to Dr H: Why am I allergic to animals?
AH: Gives allergy advice. Look for an animal you aren't allergic.
Olly: I hope I'm not allergic to unicorns.
Lots of love for AH in the chat box.
Allergy advice continues - boooooring. AH mentioning anaphylactic reactions for the 3-4 times.
AH would like to be a basset hound.
Dr James thanks him for his ÂŁ500 donation (still the top donation so far).
Allergy advice continues - boooooring. AH mentioning anaphylactic reactions for the 3-4 times.
AH would like to be a basset hound.
Dr James thanks him for his ÂŁ500 donation (still the top donation so far).
Kacey Ainsworth has now joined the chat, appeared in Eastenders as Little Mo and is a successful TV actress (did have to google that, have no idea who she is, not popular with teens I imagine).
She lives on a sheep farm and dogs.
She lives on a sheep farm and dogs.
Kacey was so boing I literally couldn't be bothered to share anything.
Now here is Sasha who says that he is a Mermaids expert. He wouldn't want to be a mermaid but he likes them a lot. Some of them can step out of the water and get legs.
Olly: Would a mermaid go to a doctor
Now here is Sasha who says that he is a Mermaids expert. He wouldn't want to be a mermaid but he likes them a lot. Some of them can step out of the water and get legs.
Olly: Would a mermaid go to a doctor
or a vet?
Sasha used to work at Maritime Musuem, which he how he got interested in mermaids, the mythical creature and the charity (presumably). There is a merman in the fountain in Trafalgar Square - this was based on a real man who was gay, but had to keep it secret.
Sasha used to work at Maritime Musuem, which he how he got interested in mermaids, the mythical creature and the charity (presumably). There is a merman in the fountain in Trafalgar Square - this was based on a real man who was gay, but had to keep it secret.
Mermaids is such an amazing symbol for the LGBTQ community.
Next segment, Dr James and Olly saying goodbye. Handing over to Steve Nickson, a host from Sky, who is associated with his LGBT network group and is a gay man.
Another teen is introduced, a she/her.
Next segment, Dr James and Olly saying goodbye. Handing over to Steve Nickson, a host from Sky, who is associated with his LGBT network group and is a gay man.
Another teen is introduced, a she/her.
Now a Bake Off reject is being interviewed. Who is also a personal trainer.
Discussion about supermarket shopping (another thing that teens aren't responsible for).
Discussion about supermarket shopping (another thing that teens aren't responsible for).
Jay Mitchell, performance poet, now on. Ate egg on toast so have no idea what Jay had to say, except that she writes for young people.
'You can through things from books from the age of about 7 for the rest of your life' says Jay.
(Sorry, this is Jay Hulme not Mitchell)
'See you love' says Stephen 'I do it with everyone' he quickly corrects himself.
(Sorry, this is Jay Hulme not Mitchell
)'See you love' says Stephen 'I do it with everyone' he quickly corrects himself.
Now it's James McVey (I have no idea who this is, he is apparently a pop star
).
Talks about anorexia because of body image pressures seen in the media (a quick google reveals McVey is rather keen on getting his shirt off).
'It's horrible what's going on' re: the pandemic,
).Talks about anorexia because of body image pressures seen in the media (a quick google reveals McVey is rather keen on getting his shirt off).
'It's horrible what's going on' re: the pandemic,
which is a bit of a fucking understatement. Now he knows the neighbour down the street which is a positive of the lockdown measures.
The Vamps having new music out within 3 months, putting the album on hold, perhaps by the end of the year.
Dickson - you have a huge fan
The Vamps having new music out within 3 months, putting the album on hold, perhaps by the end of the year.
Dickson - you have a huge fan
(although only 240 people watching, so no change from earlier).
McVey - happy to have any trans fans (what a surprise he would say that?)
Band has been going for 9 years (never heard of them).
McVey - happy to have any trans fans (what a surprise he would say that?)
Band has been going for 9 years (never heard of them).
Dickson asks the kid whether he is a fan.
Kid: Ummm. Umm. Yes. (He's never heard of them either).
Dickson: You're really down to earth and everything, but do you ever sit and and think "bloomin' heck I'm a pop star"?
Kid: Ummm. Umm. Yes. (He's never heard of them either).
Dickson: You're really down to earth and everything, but do you ever sit and and think "bloomin' heck I'm a pop star"?
Dickson: In my line of work you often get to meet famous people, sometimes they aren't very nice people, but it's always nice when they are nice.
Another man being interviewed, I don't know who he is. Soz. Didn't catch it.
In the chat box, Davina McCall is lending support
Another man being interviewed, I don't know who he is. Soz. Didn't catch it.
In the chat box, Davina McCall is lending support
Who ever it is, they've forgotten the name of Joan Rivers, which is a bit of a fucking cheek given his small small fame.
In the past they've met Eamon Holmes and Gloria Hunniford - who is like his showbiz parents. (Again would teens know who these people are).
In the past they've met Eamon Holmes and Gloria Hunniford - who is like his showbiz parents. (Again would teens know who these people are).
Nickson - I know Eamon too because I'm in a the business.
This is who is being interviewed. Ryan wanted to come onto raise his profile (basically) - 'anyone can be whatever they want' he says. When I was at school I wanted to be a TV presenter and tried to have a Xmas No.1.
This is who is being interviewed. Ryan wanted to come onto raise his profile (basically) - 'anyone can be whatever they want' he says. When I was at school I wanted to be a TV presenter and tried to have a Xmas No.1.
Hand (again) 'you can be whatever you want to be'. 'You can see hope in a kid's eyes' 
Hand is now introduced to the resident teen for the session. Nickson 'do the juggling for Hand'
Nickson 'I don't have access to juggling balls, so can't make a fool of myself'
WRONG!!!
Hand is now introduced to the resident teen for the session. Nickson 'do the juggling for Hand'
Nickson 'I don't have access to juggling balls, so can't make a fool of myself'
WRONG!!!
Goodbye to Hand.
Hello to Miss Kimberley!
'Humanity is slowing coming back. People are starting to say hello to each other again on the street' (really? people are avoiding each other like the plague, surely?)
Hello to Miss Kimberley!
'Humanity is slowing coming back. People are starting to say hello to each other again on the street' (really? people are avoiding each other like the plague, surely?)
