Sisters in law.

Right up front, please know that this is not my intention and that I apologise, unreservedly, in advance, for any hurt or angst caused. Right or wrong, I just feel I need to get this 'off my chest'...

I am concerned that in the UK, there are few, if any, organisations set up solely to support people like me, male-to-female transsexuals ... or female-to-male transsexuals.

l cannot, nor will not go against the PRIDE movement, or the other 'LGBT' organisations that do exist, and which have done an amazing job in 'speaking up' for people whose sexual orientation differs from the 'norm'. However, even there, I believe there is a 'gulf' that exists between Transsexuals (like me!) and Transvestites, in terms of attitude and behaviour.

IN MY OPINION, I believe an assumption has been made that transvestites and transsexuals can be put in the same 'box'. You may not agree with me, but I believe that is flawed thinking.

I am not a gay guy looking for a male sex partner. I am a woman 'trapped' in the body of a man requiring major surgery to just be me, to be at peace with myself and, OK, find a male life partner.

I believe that the 'powers that be' could, and perhaps should, drop the 'T' in the LGBT acronym ... or add another?

It is not about sex for me, it is about 'peace of mind", wanting to just 'be me', to align my physical body with the mental and emotional TRAUMA that I have had to live with since I was five years old ... just sayin'.

Please don't 'shoot the messenger'!