Laurie Perfect

That was the sound of my pre-teens. Apparently, everyone in my school thought I needed to be told that I was a ‘gay boy’ or a ‘poof’ because of my somewhat camp tendencies. At this point, pre-puberty, I didn’t really understand what all the fuss was about, primarily because I didn’t really even know what being gay was. Sexuality, feelings and emotions are not something a pre-teen boy really explores – I didn’t even know what being a ‘gay’ really was.

Meet Riley, a normal, exuberant, caring and astute 20-something year-old who I am privileged to say that I share a home with… and I must say, it has been enlightening. In his first proper home since university, and cohabiting with his loving boyfriend, you wouldn’t expect that his path to contentedness would be marred by ignorance and intolerance. However, it is, as Riley is a transman.