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Transgender Barrister Returns to Court
Hi Girls. See Link below from news.com.au today. This is one inspiring lady.
Regards to all
Marian
Quote:A RESPECTED Adelaide criminal lawyer has made her first appearance in court since transitioning from life as a man.Heather Stokes, formerly known as David, represented convicted murderer Kelly Lee Pearman in the Supreme Court today.
Pearman was jailed for life, with a 15-year non-parole period, for the April 2010 murder of Karen Hodgson.
Transgender people’s perception of their own sex is at odds with their biology.
The Advertiser understands Ms Stokes has been transitioning from male to female for several months.
David StokesDavid Stokes outside the District Court in January.
She is in the process of changing both her legal name and practising certificate.
Former Supreme Court Chief Justice John Doyle was informed of the change before it occurred.
So too were District Court Chief Judge Terry Worthington and Chief Magistrate Liz Bolton.
Ms Stokes, who was a champion 100m runner in her youth, represented murderer Zialloh Abrahimzadeh earlier this year.
Other high-profile former clients include former AFL footballer Fabian Francis and APY Lands chairman Bernard Singer.
Ms Stokes yesterday declined to comment citing “personal reasons, and because it’s 2012”.
Law Society of SA president Ralph Bonig said there was “no question” Ms Stokes enjoyed her peers’ support and respect.
“Heather’s ability to practice law has not changed from last week to this week,” he said.
“As such, the Society is just as supportive of her this week as it was last week.
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6 Replies
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I saw Heather while watching the news. I thought wow you look so wonderful and so brave facing the media head on for most of us our family, friends and co workers would be hard enough but to know the media pack was waiting outside. Josh ….. Way to go Heather your my hero!!!
I also note “Adelaide Now” could not resist the archive photo for the before and after. However the professional response from her colleges put the jurnos iin their place.
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Hi Nicol, I could not agree with you more. The before and after shots: media intentions notwithstanding, were relevant for those of us who are in that age bracket and or who sometimes struggle with ‘appearances’. That she decided to make that transition when she did, and with a high profile career is one of the most courageous examples I have seen in recent times. Regards Marian
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Hi Girls
appended below, please find a follow up news story to the one I posted a while back in regard to how Heather Stokes, the Adelaide based barrister; and formerly ‘David Stokes’ is going.
Gutsy Lady. Bless her.
Regards
Marian
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This article was on the front page of the Adelaide Advertiser this morning and it also had a four page spread in the SA weekend Magazine. What a tremendous advertisement for Trans community, Heather still practising in the Supreme Court and has been accepted by all of her colleagues.
What a great story.
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Hi Girls
Today’s’ news.com has a much more detailed story about why Adelaide Barrister David Stokes became Heather. Apart from the recent feature article in a news magazine in South Australia, which I unfortunately have not seen , not much detail has been reported on Heather. The link below together with more images, reveals more interesting information.
And information that many of us will find relevant.
Regards
Marian
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That’s in effect the article that was published in print!
