Even before transition or hormones, people started to address me as "Ma'am" in public. Children would publicly ask if I was a boy or a girl. When I did finally transition, I did the healthiest thing I possibly could in becoming who I really am.

Things are changing for the better in the way the public, in general, deals with exotic creatures like me. I gave a speech on the Transgender Day of Remembrance (11-20-09).

I was so scared because I was having a very rough time in public being laughed at and threatened, dressed as a woman. It was nice to dress as a guy now and then to escape all that, the times I did not feel strong enough to deal with the constant hate, but people were far more confused and upset with me trying to look like a guy towards the end.

In denial While technology opened thePandora's box to easy sex, it failed, however, to overcome the shame that often comes as a consequence of risky sex. It also failed educate the public on its dangers. Shame, shrouded in denial and coated with ignorance, hindcrs people from seeking rnedical treatment for STIs says Dr.