Sex Change Soldier: Jan responds to well-wishers

Cutting Edge documentary Sex Change Soldier proved a big hit last month, with many viewers writing in to Channel 4 and posting comments in the C4 Forums to wish Jan Hamilton well in her new life, post operation. Jan has been so touched by the sentiments that she has penned the following response.

This programme which documented the year when Ian, a former paratrooper, undertook the transgender journey to become Jan received more appreciative comments than any other programme in March. See Cheers & grumbles for details. It also sparked many discussions in the Culture Forum, such as here and here.

I'd like to thank everyone who has written, called, emailed and spoken to me. After such a long and lonely journey, I have been truly overwhelmed by the good wishes you have all passed to me. This has not been an easy experience – emotionally, physically or mentally. Frankly, it has taken every fibre of my being to make it all happen. That said the prize is worth it. Although I am still healing, I am truly happy and content – and that contentment gets greater every day. I know the juxtaposition of macho paratrooper to woman has been too much for some – most notably my family and the Army – but it has been a change worth the struggle.

Right now, I intend to carry on working to educate and inform on the issue of gender dysphoria by carrying on with a media profile, in whatever guise that turns out! On a personal front, you will be pleased to hear I have started dating and met a very nice man. It's very early days but the sense of acceptance I now receive has been wonderful.

First and foremost, your love and best wishes have filled my heart with joy – and helped fill the wound left by my family's rejection. I have tried to write back personally to every-one who has written, but if I have missed you out, please know it is by accident, not design. You may wish to write to me on www.janhamilton.co.uk, which I am in the process of creating and updating.

Lots of love to all,

Jan XXX

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