> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.scenemag.co.uk/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # FEATURE: The Coast Is Queer 3 – Jamie Windust - URL: https://www.scenemag.co.uk/feature-the-coast-is-queer-3-jamie-windust/ - Published: 2021-02-27T17:30:01.000Z - Updated: 2021-02-27T11:47:02.000Z - Description: Brian Butler listens intently to non-binary writer/model Jamie Windust - Author: Brian Butler - Tags: Arts, Books, Features & Longread, Out & About, Queer Corner, Reviews, Julian Clary, Juno Dawson, Marlborough Productions, New Writing South, The Coast Is Queer [![](https://www.scenemag.co.uk/content/images/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/jamie-windust600.png)](https://www.scenemag.co.uk/home/) In this third look at this year’s Brighton online queer literary festival, **The Coast Is Queer**, I sat in on **Juno Dawson’s Trans Literary Salon** , featuring **Jamie Windust** – writer/ presenter/model – author of [**In Their Shoes**](https://www.queerlit.co.uk/products/in-their-shoes-navigating-non-binary-life?ref=scenemag.co.uk). Jamie had always written , keeping a diary from a young age. “ These were things I’d never spoken about . I was asked to write a guide for teenagers : I don’t think I was the person for that . I’m not an expert; I wanted to talk about my stories not how others should live their lives”, Jamie said. About In Their Shoes Jamie said: “It’s not a memoir, or an autobiography. It’s about a passage of time from 13 – 21 that was very formative . I wrote for our community, a love-letter to my trans and non-binary siblings. There’s no room at the inn for non-binary people. Views are all black and white about trans men and women. We haven’t moved past the idea of being born in the wrong body.” [![](https://www.scenemag.co.uk/content/images/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/26312600.png)](https://www.scenemag.co.uk/home/) “The understanding of non-binary people is a million miles away in the media.” Jamie said that gender expression and gender identity are split in the book. “ Coming to terms with gender identity is different for everyone .” Juno admits she didn’t meet many trans women when she first moved to Brighton ( She now lives in Worthing). “ It was through the internet I met other trans people “, she says. Jamie confesses: “ I’m not a night-life person so I didn’t find my queerness there. I found it on social media rather than in a physical community”. When they were young they found a role model in actor/ comedian Julian Clary . Juno asked Jamie if they were comfortable being a role model. Jamie replied: “If you are marginalised and get into the media, it’s easy to just fit into a slot and say yes to lots of basic sanitised things. I wouldn’t do those things ( tv appearances) now. I didn’t want to continually have to explain myself. I don’t regard myself as an activist. I politely reject the label – it’s too specific ; it’s doesn’t allow me to breathe.” [![](https://www.scenemag.co.uk/content/images/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/leeds_inspired_jamie_windust_600.png)](https://www.scenemag.co.uk/home/) “Trans people get blamed for the bigotry they experience – how they look/dress, their attitude – well what do you expect ? We are living in desperately unkind years .” Jamie recalled how at 15/16 they got a job in a local department store in Dorset. “ I was put on the menswear department, but every weekend I would go to the make-up counter . I would buy make-up and then wear it to work. I was told to take it off by the manager. I genuinely didn’t care that I shocked people . It lit a fire in me not to change it ” They were moved to the make-up counter ! “ The reaction to my presence was overwhelming – people being absolutely vile to me . You’re happy but people make you doubt .” Jamie said that the only “ real trickle of romance “ was with a fellow non-binary person. Revealingly Jamie added that “ you’re either a sex object or unlovable . Dating is very difficult for trans people – lots just can’t do it “. [![](https://www.scenemag.co.uk/content/images/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/juno-dawson-by-jack-latham600.png)](https://www.scenemag.co.uk/home/) The streamed conversation contains another revelation – both Juno and Jamie have experienced the trauma of assault . And on a lighter note, they both agree that people’s curiosity about what it is to be trans or non-binary is easily answered : Google it. Jamie’s book [**In Their Shoes** ](https://www.queerlit.co.uk/products/in-their-shoes-navigating-non-binary-life?ref=scenemag.co.uk)is published by Jessica Kingsley and widely available Juno’s [**The**](https://www.hachette.co.uk/titles/juno-dawson/the-gender-games/9781473648616/?ref=scenemag.co.uk) **Gender Games** is published by John Murray Press and also widely available. Check Scene online and [The Coast is Queer](http://coastisqueer.com/?ref=scenemag.co.uk) , [Marlborough Productions](https://marlboroughproductions.org.uk/the-coast-is-queer-literature-festival-went-online-in-2021/?ref=scenemag.co.uk) and New Writing South to see when their festival conversations come online. [![](https://www.scenemag.co.uk/content/images/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/large-1604312135-e600.jpg)](https://www.scenemag.co.uk/home/)