40.Submission from Fiona Scott
I have read the Draft Bill re: Transsexual People
with interest.
I have interest in this Bill as it will affect
me. I went through transition in 1995 at the age of 55.
I married a lovely lady in 1965. She was unaware
of my medical condition, as I thought would "grow out of
it"—marriage would normalize me—sadly this was
not to be. At the age of five—my Dad was still in the RAF
as WWII was coming to a close—I use to pray to be normal—to
wake up as a girl.
Pam and I made financial provision for our "old
age". After transition I found I could not receive my State
Pension as the State regarded me as "male". Having taken
early retirement from my University position I am fortunate to
receive an Occupational Pension. Pam also receives a similar pension
after a teaching career of nearly 35 years' service.
I assume, in order for me to receive my State
Pension, our marriage will have to be dissolved. Consequently,
our financial arrangements will be in tatters, as we will not
be regarded as a married couple. I didn't go through transition
for laughs! I nearly ended my life on the cliffs of Gower in October
1995 but sought medical help to confirm what I already knew—Gender
Dysphoria.
I object to having to "register" as
a transsexual person. The blind, colour blind, Jewish or Black
amongst us do not have to—why should we!!!
I find it sad that the UK moves on this issue
because the Court of Human Rights has brought pressure on our
Government. The UK is one of only three other countries in Europe
who have refused to recognise folk like myself—namely, Albania,
Andorra and Ireland—hardly the most progressive countries
in the World. I believe UK legal minds penned the Bill of Human
Rights but is one of the very last to adhere to its principles.
At 55, I didn't just decide to go through transition
for laughs—it was essential for my well being—it was
something I just HAD to do—survival. I had spent my first
55 years of life as a lie. I had deceived my wife, Pam, my daughter
and the rest of my family, friends and University colleagues.
For me to survive I HAD to become Fiona.
I have lost three years of my rightful State
Pension and will have to dissolve our marriage to achieve the
recognition I deserve. Fortunately, Pam and I have remained the
best of friends and I certainly do not wish to jeopardize her
financial future. As I previously mentioned, we have made financial
provision for our later life and will not depend on state benefits
to survive our latter years.
I understand the Government does not want to
permit "same sex" marriages but in our position and
those of many others, our marriage took place as man and woman.
This has since changed and we do not regard ourselves as married.
We remain married for financial reasons and would not apply for
a married State Pension if we were allowed to!
17 July 2003
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