School bursar to return as woman
By Sally Pook
THE bursar of a public school has announced that he will return after the summer holiday as a woman.
Dr Robert Lee, who is married, has written to parents explaining his decision and the “anguish” he has suffered. When he resumes work at King’s College, in Taunton, Somerset, in the autumn he will wear women’s clothes and be known as Robyn.
Simon Funnell, head of the £14,000-a-year mixed Anglican school, has appealed for understanding at this “difficult and sensitive time”. He said: “Dr Lee has for many years had a medical condition known as gender identity disorder, commonly known as transsexualism. From next week, the bursar wishes to be known as Dr Robyn Lee and to live as a woman. King’s College is a Christian community and I believe we should not abandon anyone at such a sensitive moment.”
Dr Lee, who hopes to undergo surgery at a later stage, declined to comment. He would only say: “It is pointless asking any questions.” Anne Ashford, a former publicity adviser to the school, said: “Dr Lee is very caring about the school. It is a grim situation for him but it should be a good lesson in understanding for pupils.”
Jackie Ballard, MP for Taunton, appealed for the bursar’s privacy to be respected. She said: “He came to see me a long time ago for advice about gender reassignment on the NHS. I have a friend who went through the same procedure. It is an uncomfortable position to be in and a major decision to change the physical way you are. If any parent has concerns or queries they should talk to Dr Lee.”
7 July 2000: Most transsexuals are left-handed, says researcher
23 June 2000: [Features] ’It sounds silly but I’ve nothing to wear’
20 June 2000: Vicar can carry on preaching after sex change
14 May 2000: Transsexual weddings are condemned
2 November 1999: Sex-change father faces call to quit children’s panel
29 September 1999: Sex-change Pc loses discrimination case
2 August 1999: Sex-change soldiers can stay in Army
1 May 1996: Transsexual wins Euro court fight
| 
