@ Richard Bridge

Hi Richard. The topic is extremely complex and I would fear that trying to explain a great deal of it would bring out the worse in some who, unlike you, are unprepared to accept transsexuality and give equal measure to all. It was not lost on me that you did say you are prepared to accept equality between cis and trans folk.

Were we to have a national screening programme, looking and the genes of "biological" males and females we would find all sort on anomalies that would point to many not being 'truly' male or 'truly' female and yet their biological appearance (secondary sexual characteristics) would be what was initially recorded on their birth certificates: ie., this body had a penis or a vagina on such and such a date when they were born. Even ibtersex folk are given one or the other label and yet are of 'indeterminate sex' according to whoever sees them into the world. Thankfully the rushed decisions and butchery that used to go on in deciding how a person should be made to look is rapidly being dumped in place for patience and a "let's see and wait" policy.

You may or may not agree but one thing I know is that having a penis or a vagina is not what makes you a man or a woman. A soldier who has his penis shot off does not become a woman (though he may feel much less a man!).

Argument is rife, both in the trans and gay communities, about what is what. The research is scanty (no money in it) except for the dedicated. I actually have had less problems from straight folk than I have from some radical lesbian feminists and trans women when it comes to slinging mud and calling names. Minorities can be terrible to other minorities at times. Basically I just get on with my life because the vast majority of people, straight, gay, bi or trans are not that bothered. My time of self analysis and concern for "Why" went a long time ago. Life has far greater challenges and rewards.

But as trans is to do with gender, and straight, gay, bi has to do with sexuality, it becomes areal mish-mash of concern to some when they try to figure it.

Personally I have no prurient interest in other's sexualities or what they do with each other. That is their business if it is consensual,legal and is not affecting me. I am more bothered in what someone has between the ears than between their legs. Whilst I identify as gay I have no ill will against men. I love men... but not physically.

Times are rapidly changing (I wonder what lyrics Bob Dylan would now add to his song?). Everyone is very different and individual. No trans person is the same as another, no more than a cis male or female is the same as their own peers. In the main we all have a great deal more in common than we do not BUT what makes us interesting is that difference. Just as the 1% of difference between chimps and humans makes for huge difference.

I eat and sleep like you. I work and pay taxes like you. In the last week I have been made redundant and, luckily, got another job on Monday. I bleed the same, I cry the same, I smile and feel joy, anxiety and love.

The one area that affects me the most is my voice. I detest it. Others love it. I love singing and I love music. I am on mudcat for the music, mostly, but do enjoy discussion on other things too (away from any bigotry).

I hope I have answered some of your questions. I do not need to like you physically to respect you. I suspect you are saying the same about me all in all? Where our physical boundaries are set is different in everyone. I'm not that different except I chose to make my body more congruous to my emotional soma

As for the word manifest. As I say, I do not see myself as any kind of manifestation. I am simple living my life as a contributing human being within the community and society I live. I am just me :)