Thanks for showing me this most interesting article. Even before I read it, I knew it would address the so-called "Golden Ratio" of 1.6/1. I have discussed this at some length with my trans woman friend I mentioned earlier. As it happens, the many surgeries she underwent in her transition (15 years ago) were spectacularly successful, particularly the facial reconstruction. She presented as a handsome man before the transition, but as a woman, she is incredibly beautiful. I'm grateful to have her as a friend. I've learned a lot from her, and she has been willing to describe these major procedures for me in excruciating detail. I keep telling her how "brave" she is, but she deflects those comments as skillfully as you parry the ones I give you! She keeps insisting, "I just did what I had to do." I understand that completely, but I still think it takes a vast amount of courage.

Again, I think this is simply a matter of the difference between our respective assessments of the intelligence of the general populace. I'd prefer to believe your assessment! Either way, I'm just glad that I am bright enough to recognize and appreciate YOUR intelligence.

The memory–more than 50 years old now–remains crystal clear: Sneaking into my sisters' bedrooms, pilfering garments and taking them into the bathroom where I would lock the door and put them on, wondering WHY I was doing it, and why it was such an intense thrill. I was a child! It was far beyond my understanding. I have learned a lot since then.

Quite true. Also it comes down to a matter of semantics (so many arguments do), and the use of certain terms within certain frameworks. Your use of the term "lesbian MtF crossdresser" is a common one–I've used it myself. Within its context, it seems accurate. But I can easily see how a genetic woman who is a lesbian might take exception, based on her own life experience. They have to deal with a particular variety of hate and intolerance. What's sad is that some of them, such as noonereally (apparently), think that we crossdressers do what we do simply "for the hell of it," but the truth is, we are compelled by something deep within our nature. It's not something we just "decide" to do. I felt the urge at the age of 11 or 12, even before puberty, or at about the same time. I had the luxury of growing up with five older sisters, and thus had a lot of girls' clothing to "borrow," before I started buying my own.

It makes perfect sense to me. I feel the same. It's a great joy to exchange thoughts with you. The "mind" relationship not only lasts much longer, but it's also much more enriching to the soul.

There aren't a lot of things I'd consider advantageous about aging, but I do think that the older we get, the more we learn to accept ourselves as we are, and to dispense with the conditioning and stigmas that affect us more when we are younger. At least in my case. I always felt a resistance to the possibility of my being labeled as gay; this was not because I ever considered it "bad" to be gay, but because it just didn't seem to fit me, in that I have never been remotely attracted to males except those who present as wholly female. Now: I don't care!

Sealed, but very pretty!

I too have experienced depression throughout much of my adult life. I've been through several courses of antidepressant medications (as well as counseling and therapy) and I am well aware of the effects on sexual function, as you described them. That is a negative for me, but fortunately I've been able to do pretty well for some time now without the medications. I think that depression is a natural occurrence for deeply introspective people (though not all of us). I also think that a hyper-awareness of the ills of society is an invitation to depression. That's an ongoing problem for me, but thankfully I am equipped with an innately optimistic nature.

Thank you for the information. I intend to pursue this. I'm sure it will help me to process some of the frustrations which you've probably noted in some of my comments.

And in 2008 California voters did approve "Proposition 8," which outlawed same-sex marriage. Thank goodness that measure has been struck down permanently by the Supreme Court. And now we are having certain states enact new laws giving business the "right" to deny service to homosexuals. I don't know how much of this news makes its way to your part of the world, but the media are currently all abuzz. The majority of Americans are disgusted by these new laws, and the two states that have enacted them are already facing a tremendous backlash, including a series of boycotts by various organizations and business. But that's enough for the moment–I'm in danger of going off on a rant about our political system and the stubborn persistence of hate in my country.