Steve and I were friends back in the seventies. He was gay, I wasn't. But that didn't stop us from being friends. When Steve told me of his plans to change his sex to become a woman, it was hard at first to get my mind around what he was telling me.

Naturally, I tried to understand why and then talk him out of it. I explained, how much ridicule he'd endure and that people would look at him as  bizarre. Over time, I realized and understood from him and our conversations, that this was no easy decision.

Steve helped me to understand this challenge for many who feel the way my friend did.

I thought I'd share what my views are and why this needs to be understood. Claire and I are still friends. She told me she's met a good guy who loves her for her and they are doing fine.

I'm happy for her because she had to endure all the ridicule I was afraid she would while she went through the process of the changes. Claire moved away from our small town to NYC where she can live in more liberal surroundings away from the prejudice many still feel about this.