“I used to have imposter syndrome about being able to label myself as a trans woman for a while. I was like ‘you have to like tick on these boxes before you could even do that’ and ‘who do I think I am?’ But now, very happily trans, queer and just loving life now.”

‘Pause. And Rewind…’ is back for another season & I’m kicking things off with a wonderful guest. Alexandra Parmar-Yee (she/her) is someone I’ve loved observing over the last few years. We first met when Alex wrote an article about the Hijra community, and how it informed her identity with being Trans & Indian, for the first ever Trans+ History Week. Some chance conversations & encounters with a few other incredible change makers resulted in Alex being an Executive Director for Trans+ Solidarity Alliance - a role she’s absolutely smashing along with a formidable, talented team of individuals.

In just a short amount of time, TSA has two mass lobbies, several parliamentary briefings and multiple campaigns & projects under their belts, including their gorgeous Trans Secret Santa festive offering. With no signs of slowing down!

Alex grew up in a mixed heritage household with first generation immigrant parents. She was a shy, curious child and their family moved to many countries - an experience that not only instilled in Alex a willingness to embrace other culture but upon returning to the UK one that also meant she understood what it meant to feel different.

Challenging teenage years are a common thread on ‘Pause. And Rewind…’ and Alex shares how this led to university becoming a moment in which she could reinvent herself.

We chat about Alex’s recent decision to leave her employer of twelve years & the importance of well-deserved break following an incredibly busy time - which saw her being recognised as Trailblazer of the Year at the British LGBT Awards AND featuring in Cosmopolitan magazine in their article exploring life for Trans+ people one year on from the Supreme Court ruling.

Plus there’s more including Alex’s passion for community, her love of volunteering being shaped by her mum and what it means to meet Big Brother’s Trans icon Nadia earlier this year. ENJOY!

Oh & whilst you’re tuning into this gorgeous conversion, you can find out more about how to support the Trans Solidarity Alliance here and donate to or grab your Trans Secret Santa Christmas cards here!