Transgender firefighter hoping to be face of Rank (From Daily Echo)

Transgender firefighter hoping to be face of Rank

10:04am Tuesday 30th October 2012 in News By Sally Churchward, Senior Feature Writer

HAMPSHIRE firefighter Katie is hoping to win a national competition to become the new face of Rank advertising.

Last week we featured the story of Katie and her journey from living as a man to a woman.

Katie took part in the competition in order to raise awareness of transgender people.

“It would be brilliant if a transgender person could be the next gong man or woman,” she told the Echo.

The iconic Rank gong man appeared before the opening credits of hundreds of movies produced and distributed by Rank during more than 50 years in motion pictures.

Although Rank no longer produces films, it still entertains the nation through its Mecca clubs and Grosvenor Casinos. To celebrate its 75th anniversary, Rank has decided to celebrate its 75th birthday with the return of the gong man or woman.

If she wins the competition, Katie intends to donate her prize to Southampton gender identity issues charity Chrysalis, which has helped her in her own transition.

•  For more information about Chrysalis, call 01489 589111 or visit chrysalis-gii.co.uk.
•  Read about Katie's journey from being a Marine and a fireman to a woman.