Rosie Hopegood, journalist with the Sunday Mirror, and I had a 2-hour chat a few weeks ago under the twinkling London Eye. Today the result of our spirited, genuine conversation has been published: an article about the transgender part of my life journey.
As a good friend of mine pointed out “Rosie’s article portrays someone who has made huge decisions and stayed sane and positive. It is difficult to condense your life story into one feature and she’s put a positive spin on it rather than going down the pity or self indulgent route.” I have to agree and, as such, Rosie’s article fits perfectly to the overall spirit of ‘Paralian’.
Sitting here, writing this, and basking in the warm summer sun I am reminded of Forrest Gump, who summed up our existence so aptly, “Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re gonna get.” True that. Thankfully, there are some pretty awesome, delicious bites mixed in with the bitter ones. xxx
This was a wonderful interview. Greatest, charming host, lively conversation… 30 powerful minutes you won’t regret listening to!
On the website, scroll down to ‘previous episodes’. Select Episode 29. The interview with me begins at -31min and 30sec. So it’ll be the last 30min of this episode. Have fun and let me know what you think!
Diversity, change, and fluidity are a gift, a privilege, not a threat. Susan Platt talks identity and borders with author Liam Klenk.
Source: In Conversation: Liam Klenk
What an eclectic mix on my interview menu in London this week!
On Tuesday, I had a lovely chat with Rosie Hopgood from the Sunday Mirror. We met at the London Aquarium, enchanted by the many sharks and stingrays circling us lazily while we talked.
Wednesday morning started out with a pre-recording for the “Global Village” show of Newstalk Radio Ireland. Aoife Breen was a pleasure to connect with. After the energetic radio interview breakfast, I went on to a journalistic lunch. Back under the watchful London Eye, I met with the fabulous Nick Hoare from Gay Times. We chatted for a long time and it was a true pleasure!
Thursday morning, I was up early to go to yet another promising on air breakfast. I went to the BBC studios in London for a live link-up with BBC Leicester. Great and fitting to have this opportunity, since my publisher is based in Leicester. The 20 min interview with Jonathan Lampon was in-depth and refreshing. I did find myself giggling uncontrollably when I left the studio however. All had gone so well until our goodbyes when Jonathan asked me to pop into the studio sometime for a visit, and wished me well. I had started stuttering on air, “Thanks… ahem… b… bye… I make… I’ll make sure to do that.” It was very funny. I’m still ages away from being the suave, routined interviewee. But then that’s ok. I’m enjoying how new and exhilarating every single media experience is, and I am sure my listeners can feel my honest and genuine enthusiasm.
Thursday evening was the highlight of my media buffet. I was invited to chat with Lizzie Cundy on Radio FUBAR. My flight out of London was booked for that evening but I had made a last minute decision and changed my flight home to Friday instead to be able to honour the invitation. It was the best decision. The interview was extensive. Lizzie was open-minded, positively beaming, and an immensely charming host. It was the first radio interview during which I was also able to talk more in-depth about my teenage experiences, my adoption, travels and many other elements of my life journey. Our talk was truly not just transgender and very much reflected the positive, diverse nature of my book.
Overall a week to be remembered. I’m leaving London enriched, bursting with new impressions and experiences. It was a true privilege to meet this broad spectrum of dedicated, compassionate media professionals!
Having a fresh mint tea – a well deserved treat after heroically queuing for an hour in the rain to get tickets for the London aquarium. In a little while I’ll head over there for the next treat: a chat with a journalist about Paralian underneath the gently undulating wings of stingrays…
BOOK LAUNCH RELEASE WEEK Paralian: Not just transgender By Liam Klenk Author interview opportunities: Liam Klenk is currently flying into London from Zurich and will be in the UK as part of his book launch press tour and available for face-to-face, telephone and in-studio interviews this week (30th May to 3rd June).…
Read full press release here: Paralian: Not Just Transgender – Book Release Week – Author Interview Opportunities
Liam Klenk 