NCS and being transgender
So before I talk about how NCS was with being transgender and what my experience was like let me explain what NCS is.
NCS stands for: National Citizens Service. They are a government lead programme for post GCSE student. Where you learn life skills, team skills, social skills and what not. I went away for two weeks. One week to Barnswood Scout Camp in Macclesfield and the second week to the University of Hertfordshire. Third week I planned my social action project. And I’m currently on my social action project week where we are fundraising to help out an animal rescue centre in my local area.
My dysphoria could not allow me to be called a female and by my birthname for 2 weeks by some kids who did know me and those who didn’t know me at all. I also felt way too uncomfortable to be in a tent with a bunch of girls especially since I am a guy no matter what my gender was at birth. So I talked to someone from NCS and he said it’s completely up to me, and got someone to basically change my record. I had already entered NCS under my chosen name so it wasn’t too difficult. Then on the first day in Barnswood I went to the only guy I know and got along with and asked if I could share a tent with him and these other boys. And he said yeah.
Now being the idiot I am. I wake up the next morning and go to get changed in the toilets because ya boy ain’t gonna put his binder on around these boys - that’s peak dysphoria times. After I’m finished getting changed I bend down to pick my clothes up and and then I go back up and bang my head on the toilet paper dispenser. I then find out I’m bleeding quite a lot and I go to get the NCS waveleader because I’m bleeding from my head and I felt sick I could have concussion. We go up to medical and wake up the guy. He asks for my name I say Mitchell and then said “do you need my legal name? Cause I’m trans.” He said it’s cool it’s just an accident report and then we had a nice chat about my transition and such. Then I go to a&e and remember I definitely need my legal name there because NHS. I then talk to the two leaders who went with me about me being trans.
As disorganised NCS can be at times they are so kind towards trans people. And it’s university students who are in care of you for the week so they are pretty accepting. All you have to do is ask. There is no harm is asking. Even when I was having dysphoric days NCS are always there and are great people to talk to. Plus I made some amazing friends who I will most likely talk to post NCS too.
