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Scottish Gypsy/Traveller

First of all I've had to deny I'm a Traveller because I stay in a house so that the people don't find out who I am and I get a peaceful life.

I had to settle in a house to give my weans an education, especially with my youngest being disabled I need to get medication for him and his medical condition seen to because he also has learning problems as well.

I've had seven houses in different districts and had to leave them all when people found out who I am through discrimination. Plus I've had everything – you name it – thrown at me by the community and settled people in the past.

In the house, I lack communication with the rest of my family and friends I was brought up with because I've had to change my lifestyle. I feel like an animal trapped in a cage – I can't breath properly staying in a house. I've got a fear that I can’t give my weans freedom because I'm afraid of the outside community.

At the end of the day, I've had to give up my whole lifestyle just so that my weans and I can get a better and peaceful life and be treated like human beings by the community and accepted by society.

Whatever happens I am still a Traveller, proud of it, born and bred, you can't change what I was born into and I'll pass that pride onto my weans.