Kim Miles
My Story
A word that interests me is DUALITY.
When I was born they ticked the male box.
I had a NORMAL and ABNORMAL childhood.
I played football/played with dolls/played soldiers/dressed in my sisters clothes.
I was conditioned to be fearful, told I was ugly and stupid.
I daydreamed, misbehaved, fought, stole, binged on junk food and read books.
Then.......
- I joined the Navy (a clearance diver?!)
- I joined the Air Force (nursing and operating theatre).
- I worked at Sydney Opera House(lucky enough to see opera/ballet/symphony/Sydney Dance Company and Geoffrey Rush on stage!!).
- I studied acting (loved it) and got bugger all work (failed my Home and Away screentest!).
- I worked as a foot courier/mail sorter and started making films.
All interspersed with periods of drifting, dreaming and dolebludging.
In 2006 after a very bad period of sadness/anger I had a breakdown/through. I overcame the layers of suppression and dealt with my gender condition. My diagnosis was gender dysphoria (transgendered). I had a pleasantly smooth journey through the Monash Clinic, culminating in gender affirmation surgery.
All was groovy until other physical matters required investigation and a diagnosis of AIS (androgen insensitivity syndrome) similar to an intersex condition was suggested. This confirmed an instinct I had had about my being/body/history and a lot of things made sense.
I am mostly female, however, as we know there is nothing black and white in gender, sexuality or life! I am STRONG and WEAK........ HEALTHY and SICKLY....... I do BRAVE things and also RETREAT from life. I feel with JOY the BEAUTY in the world as well as the dreadful PAIN. ART/FILMMAKING is where I entertain/break rules/examine humans/look for surprises and the unknown.
I look for complexity through simplicity. Art saved me and is central in my life. My face, body and soul seem quite aligned now.
After a life of anxiety and not feeling present I feel more complete. I still have struggles but continue to see life as an exercise in learning and growth. I'm even more emotional these days and often get teary!
My floodgates have opened! After being closed I have a lot to give!
I love music, riding my bike, Queen Victoria Markets, fruit, vegetables, dark chocolate and smiling.
Getting involved with VAC/GMHC
I had previously seen the ad for VAC/GMHC volunteers and when I attended a transgender film night at the PLC, I was introduced to Volunteer Coordinator Shane Kelly. Shane invited me to attend the volunteer training day. That day was very informative and there was a very kind, generous spirit amongst the participants and speakers. It was pleasing to be able to nominate an area where I wanted to volunteer.
Being unemployed and looking to my future, I was interested in office administration and was invited to spend some time at the stylish and friendly Peter Knight Centre performing various administrative tasks. I was also able to spend some time learning at reception with guidance from another volunteer.
I was then asked if I would like to help Lynda at the David Williams Fund. I jumped at the chance, Lynda was/is fantastic and I found I really enjoyed it and had an aptitude for the paperwork.
With a desire to help people and my nursing and customer service background I feel lucky and grateful to have found this direction.
I would love to continue to be a part of the organisation - it's been a joy to meet the clients and staff and I have received far more than I have given.
VAC/GMHC was given to me at the exact right time - it gave my life meaning and purpose when I needed it.
The generosity, care, love and fun has filled my heart and enriched my life.
Thankyou
