I want to sincerely thank all who talked to me about the experience of being transgender. In particular, I much appreciate the frank and open responses of Stephanie Spillett, an ex-student of mine, who spent considerable time answering my, at times, very personal questions about gender dysphoria and her experiences in primary and senior schools. Ira Racines, another ex-student, and now a prominent member of the LGBTQI+ community in Darwin, who works with trans kids from time to time, read the manuscript and made many constructive comments, guiding both my thinking and my writing. I also had an illuminating conversation with Daniel Alderman, who works closely with trans people in Darwin, and he made many perceptive comments about the portrayal of transgender people. Lucy Gunner, a leading Pride organiser in the Top End, read the manuscript twice, which is above and beyond the call of duty. Some of the dialogue in this book was unashamedly stolen from her and I’m grateful for her guidance, good humour and intelligence. Thanks also to good friend and excellent English teacher Cathy Hood for reading the final copy and offering valuable insight.

It goes without saying that any errors or clumsiness or lack of sensitivity that may remain within these pages are my responsibility only.

Scot Gardner, author extraordinaire and good friend, read the first draft of A Song Only I Can Hear and made his normal perceptive and constructive remarks. Another fabulous author, Michael Gerard Bauer, very kindly read the [nearly] final version and was generous enough to speak highly of it. Thanks to both for the way they have always supported my writing and for being genuinely thrilled when I have achieved anything in the way of success. My publisher, Jodie Webster, has been with me from the start of my writing career and her belief in me has been unwavering. Readers often have little idea of the importance of an editor in shaping a book, making it the very best it can be, and the huge amount of time spent in doing so. My editor, Kate Whitfield, has edited this book with her customary care and sensitivity and I thank her for all her hard work. Thanks too to Carey Schroeter and Angela Namoi who have taken my books into the international market.

Although the epigraph in the opening pages is commonly attributed to Oscar Wilde, I’m aware that this attribution is doubtful. But whoever said it, the spirit of the words felt true to Wilde, and he, in turn, feels true to the spirit of this book.

Finally, my family has been exceptionally supportive, as always. Thanks to Lauren, Brendan and more distant family members who’ve egged me on from afar.

As for my wife, Nita, well, not only does she give me the time and the encouragement to write, but she is also my first reader, someone whose judgement I trust and have always trusted. I don’t think I could write without her support and belief. And, of course, it helps that she sings a song only I can hear.