i have two friends who have surgically became woman due to the feeling that they were not men - their stories are amazing and one of great strength in a society that 'hates' difference or the unknown.
one had children as a man and is now a woman who is still very much involved in the raising of her children - the children are very healthy, happy and well adjusted personalities.
the other is still with her wife and teenage daughters - she is also one of Australia's top Meteorologists.
to me they are women, and understand the world in a very complex way... i love and respect them both and would support them regardless - from this i have learnt to respect diversity and would support my children if this became an issue for them - i'd just want my children to be happy.
i have known of so many suicides from young people who struggled to deal with their identity because the fear from an oppressive world was too much... the loss of these souls is sad and will never be replaced. it is such values held that are represented in some of the responses here that lead young people to committ such an act... it is a lack of education and human understanding...
stand up and be proud of who you are and do no harm to another - educate those who want to listen and turn the cheek to those who don't...
ps - when ever it comes down to talking about homosexuality or transgender etc it always goes back to what it is they do that is different from the 'norm' - we dont quiz heterosexuals, we don't focus on their sexuality or private lives etc... i agree with Jess here...
who here like the films gladitor or alxandra the great etc... ummm they were the most homoerotic films i have seen in a long time... i liked them and i am a stupid breeder!