I typed this in from Kate's book, Katherine's Diary, with her permission, because her computer ate her copy. Any mistakes are my fault. – Lisa

Memo to all staff
From John Cummings, Head, Information Resources Centre
Date: November 24, 1986
Subject: Gender reassingment

Dear [...]

Because I detest gossip and the usually inaccurate transmission of information via 'the grapevine', I have asked the Principal for permission to release this memo to all members of staff at the College. I would have liked to write each of you individually, rather than in this somewhat mechanical way, but this is clearly impracticable, and I must ask each of you to believe that I do regret the impossibility of contacting each of you personally. Many of you are my friends, some are acquaintances and colleagues, and some I have never met, yet I wish to address you all as simultaneously as possible.

I intend to seek gender reassignment (often referred to as sex-change) and live the rest of my life as a woman. Under the very sensible regulations which apply to this decision in Australia I must live and work as a woman full-time for a year before applying for gender reassignment surgery. I intend to commence this probationary year on December 1.

It is not my intention to embarrass nor upset my friends and colleagues in the College, although I am realistic enough to know that I will not be readily accepted by everyone. I ask merely that you recognize the fact that this decision has been reached after years of unhappiness, and in the full knowledge that I am hurting people close to me whom I love, and giving up much that I value. I ask for your tolerance, and, if you can supply it, a continuation of your friendship.

I intend to change my name by deed poll to Katherine Cummings, but will continue to answer to my former name without any resentment or embarrassment. I know this is going to be hard for my friends to adjust to, even with the best will, and I do recognize the fact that to some people I will seem to be carrying out an act which is morally wrong. But this is a road I must take, whatever the consequences.

I shall continue to carry on my duties in the IRC as before, and hope you will find no difference in your dealings with me in my new persona. With luck, this will all be a nine days wonder, and eventually new perceptions of the person I intend to become will overlay memories of the person I was, and life will go on.

I am prepared to talk with anyone who wants to know more about my situation, and would rather do this than have misconceptions exist due to lack of knowledge about transsexualism. Please feel free to contact me if you feel this will help our relationship in the future. Communication seldom does any harm, and often does a great deal of good in the promotion of understanding.

I intend to take some leave, commencing on December 1, in order to start putting my new life in order, but until then I shall make myself as accessible as possible.

Sincerely,

John Cummings

Copyright by the author.

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