Kim Lana Blackburn

Before going to Born being Trans was something to survive. I went to one of the Mad Trans Tea Party things they run; I was so nervous about it. I felt I already had confidence (I didn?t!) but thought I could maybe make friends. I met Paul and Grace and came home from there realising that being trans is something to celebrate. For my birthday, my partner Charlie secretly booked me in with Born. I?m not exaggerating when I say that going to Born broke a curse. Since then my life has exploded with opportunities and new and interesting relationships. That?s the magic of confidence; It brings with it the ability to say yes to life. I?ve done loads of new things. I?ve been in the Big issue, I?m a trustee for Happy Valley Pride. I hated my voice but I?ve done a 2-hour radio show. I hated my body but I?ve done a photo shoot in basically my nightie which is about to be on the Cover of Label Magazine. Some of the other photos are in Exhibitions in London and Vermont which is in America n stuff. I?ve worked for Barnardo?s Young LGBT project supporting Trans kids. Ended up on a Channel 4 and I?m going be in a music video? oh and I started my own club night. All of which wouldn?t have happened without the support and encouragement of Born who made me feel like someone.