Debbie Cannon
LGBTQ Policy advisor - Transgender Expert | Debbie Cannon
Manchester, United Kingdom, UNITED KINGDOM
LGBTQ Expert/Policy Advisor, Diversity Role Model, Freelance writer, Motivational Speaker
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Biography
Hi and thanks for stopping by.
Growing up, I always knew I was different - I always felt like something was wrong - as soon as I knew the difference between boys and girls I wanted to be a girl.
Every time I was asked to make a wish when I was little? I would wish I was a girl.
Growing up was painful and I was made to feel shame for who and what I was. Any signs of showing femininity were instantly jumped on and berated.
I was bullied at school and really didn’t fit in. I dreamt of leaving school and being the person I had always wanted to be.
But instead I did everything I could do, to be the person I was told I was. I listened to society’s judgements and constraints rather than my own convictions. I joined the army straight from school (this was in 1990), and I hated it. I left in 1994 aged 21.
I went to see a counsellor when I was 23 and explained what I was going through. She told me I didn’t look, sound, or talk like a woman. Needless to say I was devastated. I turned to alcohol to numb the pain. I even tried to commit suicide. Ending it all at the time seemed to be the only way to stop the pain. But I couldn’t. Something, God, the Universe, Higher Power, whatever you want to call it. Told me no. Told me that it wasn’t my time. Not yet.
I still didn’t listen to who I was inside and followed a heteronormative and binary life until I was 39. By then I had a failed marriage. My father had died. And a child. I don’t regret the latter for a second. My child is a wonderful blessing and I am so fortunate to have her in my life.
For me, coming to terms with being transgender was one the most difficult; yet also one of the easiest decisions I’ve ever made.
I am a heart centric woman, who is spiritually conscious , none-judgemental and above all accepting of difference and individuality.
My vision is to help as many people as possible to come to terms with who and what they are. Every single one of us is striving for happiness. Want to be the best we can be.
In helping others come to terms with themselves. I hope to make this world a happier, more loving and accepting place.
Living my dream life has given me a passion, drive and commitment to helping others to do the same.
Whatever that may be.
Industry Expertise (10)
Professional Training and Coaching
Insurance
Health and Wellness
Corporate Training
Education/Learning
Fund-Raising
Library and Information Management
Media - Broadcast
Media - Online
Writing and Editing
Areas of Expertise (6)
Lgbtq Issues
Lgbtq Awareness
Transgender
Lesbian Issues
Feminisms and Gender Studies
Motivating and Inspiring
Accomplishments (1)
Insurance Leader of the Year - Woman in Finance Awards 2017 (professional)
This award is open to the strongest senior-level contender in the insurance sector who has an outstanding track record in attracting and managing clients and bringing in successful deals. It is also open to women in senior diversity-specific roles. Judges will be looking for nominees who have demonstrated exceptional leadership.
Affiliations (5)
- Space Youth Project - Dorset - Trustee
- Diversity Role Model
- Freelance Features Writer - Diva Magazine
- Pride Parents (Facebook) - Founder
- LGBTQ Support Network - Founder
Links (3)
Languages (2)
- English
- French Basic
Style
Availability
- Keynote
- Moderator
- Panelist
- Host/MC
Fees
Articles (2)
NO TO NO PLATFORM? HOW ABOUT NO TO NO HATRED?
Diva Magazine2015-10-28
Looking at why Geermiane Greers's comments on transgender women, are ill-informed.
IS EDDIE REDMAYNE IS THE RIGHT PERSON TO PLAY A TRANS WOMAN IN THE DANISH GIRL?
Diva Magazine2015-09-07
Eddie Redmayne is the right person to play Lili Elbe in the Danish Girl - and here's why.
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