CHAT SESSION 25 with Danielle
Topic- Unconditionally, Unquestionably, and Undeniably, Danielle May Laidley
Monday 16th October 2023 1pm https://rppfm.com.au
Catch up and listen to our chat session https://megaphone.link/LCRUI2208277777
Danielle May Laidley (she/her) is a transgender woman. She is most recognisable for her status as North Melbourne Football Club alumni, and today, for her efforts in encouraging conversation about the acceptance of the transgender community. She is a parent to her children, a partner to her girlfriend, a well-respected former Australian Rules Football coach, and a championship-winning athlete. But above all else, she is a woman, a proud transgender woman, finally living unconditionally, unquestionably, and undeniably, as Danielle May Laidley.
Growing up, Danielle describes experiencing gender dysphoria, a term referring to the disconnect between one’s gender identity, and their sex assigned at birth. Danielle knew that the way she felt internally did not align with how she appeared externally and describes feeling self-hatred at each glance she caught of herself in the mirror; the figure reflecting back at her was not indicative of the woman that lived beneath. This turmoil, in conjunction with Danielle’s method of coping: substance use, led to numerous counts of self-harm and suicide attempts.
The ability of Danielle to emerge as her true self on her own timeline, as a woman, was stolen, publicised, and exploited. Following her arrest for drug possession, Danielle’s photographs at the police station were exposed by an officer, and alas, her life in the shadows had been brought to light. Unfortunately, this act of exploitation credits a wider issue experienced by the LGBTQIA+ community, where often, the opportunity to come out no longer belongs to them. Danielle notes that the experience of coming out is not necessary to all, and should be a choice left to each individual, but certainly not to others. Often, it is forgotten, or rather ignored, that the LGBTQIA+ community are people. These are real lives.
Enthralled in the crazed world of competitive football, and simultaneously nursing her dysphoria, Danielle engrossed herself in her career playing 151 games for West Coast Eagles and North Melbourne in the AFL. She then become one of the youngest ever senior coach at 36 years, going on to coach 146 games for North Melbourne.
Ultimately, Danielle’s story is one to remind us that time is fleeting; it is not exponential, but rather limited. And as such, there is no better time than now to embrace ourselves and each other.
Danielle now shares her story, in her own words, in her autobiography entitled, ‘Don’t Look Away: A Memoir of Identity & Acceptance,’ and documentary on STAN titled Danielle Laidley: Two Tribes in which she shares her life with love and acceptance from her “two tribes”.
She now lives unconditionally, unquestionably, and undeniably, as Danielle May Laidley.
LGBTQIA+ support services
QLife provides anonymous and free LGBTQIA+ peer support and referral for people in Australia wanting to talk about sexuality, identity, gender, bodies, feelings, or relationships.
My hope is that when you’re looking at yourself in the
‘The Daily Mirror’
YOU SMILE
EMBRACE BEING YOU
AND FIND 10 MINUTES IN YOUR DAY TO NOURISH YOUR SOUL!
To get in touch with Cathy email smileinthedailymirror@gmail.com
'The Daily Mirror' acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the Traditional Custodians of the land and acknowledges and pays respect to their Elders, past and present.
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