To mark LGBT History Month 2018, Touchstone is profiling different LGBT role models during the month of February.  This week we are proud to tell you about a fantastic film maker and comedian – Lewis Hancox who has featured in Stonewall’s Come Out For Trans Equality campaign.
Here are Lewis’s own words, reproduced from Stonewall’s campaign website http://www.stonewall.org.uk/people/lewis-hancox

“I’m Lewis and I identify as male. I’m a filmmaker and a comedian – I create comedy sketches in which I play a variety of characters. I also make trans-related content: I love that my work helps other trans people.
When I was growing up I never had any trans role models. I thought I was the only one who felt the way I did. 
I’m from a small northern town. When I was growing up I never had any trans role models. I thought I was the only one who felt the way I did. I didn’t even know what it meant to be trans. All I knew is that I felt male and should have a masculine body.
I started my medical transition at 20; if there were more open trans role models I would have transitioned sooner, and not had to go through the hell of the ‘wrong’ puberty.
It shouldn’t be taboo to talk about being trans.
It shouldn’t be taboo to talk about being trans. The more people who speak out, the more it will normalise things and tackle misconceptions about trans and non-binary equality.
People shouldn’t have the perception that transitioning sets you up for a difficult life. There shouldn’t be any shame in expressing who you really are, and anyone that is worth keeping around will support you in the end.  We only get this one life, so you must live it authentically as you!  I’m happy to say that even though I’ve had my struggles I have a great life now. I have amazing family and friends, a career, hobbies and passions. I was only able to reach this point by being my true self.
It would mean everything to me for the process of getting a certificate to be made more accessible, so I could be recognised fully as the gender I am.
I haven’t got a Gender Recognition Certificate, and I find it bizarre that in some legal aspects I’m still ‘female’. I’ve lived my whole life as male, regardless of any surgeries, hormones or documents. It would mean everything to me for the process of getting a certificate to be made more accessible, so I could be recognised fully as the gender I am.
All the negative press in the media right now surrounding trans issues means it’s vital trans people tell their own stories from their perspective. I hope it gives trans people hope for the future to see other trans people putting themselves out there, living their lives successfully.  I don’t really identify with being trans – I’m just me – but at times like these I think it’s really important to be open and raise awareness.
Twitter: @LewisHancox