FTM London moves into new media with our all new podcast project - check out the info below and drop us a line if you'd like to take part. We look forward to hearing from you! The first podcast will be launched on our website and at our meeting on saturday - so check back here for more info or come and join us at the BFI! (see 'next meeting' page for more info)

Why a Podcast?

Podcasting is a great new way of getting FTM-London's message across. It's a way to reach out to people, who for reasons of geography or other barriers can't get to a meeting. It's also a great way to record our history - something we've come to value over the last decade.

What's Podcasting?

Podcasting is a way of creating amateur radio-style broadcasts that can be downloaded from websites and listened to on a computer. To listen on the move, they can be set to automatically download to MP3 players such as iPods. There are lots of very professional sounding podcasts including BBC radio programmes, but the beauty of podcasting is that with a little equipment, a computer and the right software, anyone can do it! There are already trans-related podcasts out there - check out the links section for more details.

How Will It Work?

There will be six recording sessions where we'll talk about issues like establishing an identity, transitioning, disclosing to family, friends and others, managing education, work or unemployment, getting access to services, connecting with the trans community and particular barriers and issues. Each podcast will have a special theme:

• Young Voices - A session for those under 25 to explore the experience of being young and trans.
• Mature Perspectives - A session for those aged 50 and over to contribute the experiences of those in their mature years.
• Black and Minority Ethnic Views - A session open to those from minority ethnic backgrounds.
• Genderqueer Agenda - A session for those claiming a genderqueer identity.
• Open Mic - A session open to all FTM London members and attendees.
• Final round-up - A session to review some highlights and look back at the issues and discussions.

How Will The Podcasts Be Made Available?

Each podcast will be available from the FTM London website. There are also services that 'syndicate' podcasts - this means publicising them and making them available for people to download. A well-known one is iTunes. We're hoping to make it available through this route too.

What About Confidentiality and Anonymity?

As we all know, once something is on the internet, it's out there. But there are some steps we can take to make it safer for people to take part. We'll never reveal the real identities of people taking part outside the group unless they are happy for us to do so and the copyright will be held by the podcaster. This means that if anyone tries to use it without permission, that's stealing and consequences will follow.

How Can I Get Involved?

You don't need to be a radio star, a loudmouth or an extrovert to take part. Shy guys, new guys, and people who don't often get to meetings are welcome too. All you need is a willingness to turn up, tell your story, share and listen, which is what we do in our meetings anyway! The sessions are only open to FTM London members or attendees.   No one should be left out because of financial circumstances, so the management committee have made a small amount of funding available to support transport costs for those who wouldn't otherwise be able to take part - let us know if you need more details.   To sign-up use the form below and we'll get back to you.

 Download signup form here