Last night went very well. The film, Diagnosing Difference, was very good. Much of the material about medical approaches to trans people was slightly off target because the UK doesn’t follow US psychology practices (no DSM here, folks, we are de-pathologized). However, the wide variety of trans people interviewed was very refreshing, and the attitude very positive.

The panel also went well. Roz and I, of course, are panel veterans (though as moderator I tried to stay out of things most of the time). Finn Greig and Natacha Kennedy did well as the professional experts, but we need to drag them along to a few conventions to get panel practice. Bethany Black, being a professional entertainer, was superb. And it turns out that she’s also a total fangirl.

Beth’s bio does say that she’s a Goth, but during the panel Roz likened the experience, as a kid, of finding out that other trans people exist to the “sense of wonder” experience in science fiction. She quoted the first couple of lines of Roy Batty’s death scene from Blade Runner: “I’ve seen things you people wouldn’t believe. Attack ships on fire off the shoulder of Orion.” And Beth immediately completed the quote.

She’s also very funny. We need to get this girl to Eastercon.