Our Colleague's Story: Michelle Drinkwater

As part of TAG’s Pride celebrations this month, colleagues have been sharing their own experiences and highlighting how they’ve been getting involved in Pride activities in their local area. Michelle Drinkwater, a Dispute Support Executive in the Flexible Resolutions Services business unit, belongs to a drama group and recently performed in ‘The Pride Monologues’ at the Pyramid Arts Centre in Warrington. As part of the show, Michelle shared her experience of her daughter, Em, becoming her son, Emmett, highlighting the challenges that transgender teenagers face.

As an ally and parent of a trans teen, Michelle wanted to be involved so she was able to share their experiences as this may help someone else going through the same situation, so they didn’t feel alone, and to help demonstrate her support for her child and the LGBTQ community.

On her son, Emmett, Michelle said: “From an early age he'd said that he wanted to be a boy, which we brushed off thinking it was because he spent more time with boys than girls, liked boys' clothing, toys, and games.”

On the people who helped Emmett on his journey: “One of the things that helped him feel accepted was at theatre group. Whilst being choreographed as boy/girl, Emmett casually asked where he should go as he was trans, which resulted in another cast member, Lewis, saying he was trans too and gave Emmett a high-five. This simple act of support made him feel accepted, and that he wasn’t alone.”

On the difficulties Emmett faced at school and navigating the medical system: “We visited our GP, who chatted with Em, and agreed to make the referral. We were advised that there was a three-year wait to start the transitioning process. Em spoke to school explaining the situation and about his name being changed to Emmett. School contacted us to make sure we were aware of this, which we confirmed we were. They agreed to change his name on their records, however, on official documents his birthname will have to be on there. They gave him access to his own bathroom, if needed, and told him that if a teacher accidentally used his birthname, don’t correct them during class but remind them afterward.”

Michelle revealed that Emmett helped her write the piece for the show and that she felt honoured and privileged to be able to take part. It’s been an emotional rollercoaster for Michelle due to this being the first time she had spoken out loud about her experience and what they were all going through.

Michelle, we’re all extremely proud of you and your family here at TAG – thank you so much for sharing your story.