That's no small question. What you're really faced with in answering this question is: "Write about the History of Transitioning" imho. It's true- persons have Transitioned for eons. Every culture has had those like us in their society as far back as recorded time records, and i think longer.

But it wasn't until my lifetime that the surgery came into perspective and today one can elect for near designer genitalia.

While Coco Channel and Karl Lagerfeld are not yet designing vagina's, the likes of Brassard, Suporn, Metzer, and few others deliver the goods if you can afford them.

Looking at the bright side, execution as a Witch or Heretic is no longer on the Transition menu.

Another matter well worth mentioning is the benefit Transitioners have gained from the Feminist Movement. As women have earned their freedom to be themselves from the "Donna Reed" and "Father Knows Best" mentality of the 50's and 60's so have we in terms of our personal permission process. The gap between male and female has closed some to a more "Humanistic" way of life in the U.S.A. But not all nations espouse our views.

The Human Rights Campaign has moved us all into a safer world but has a long way to go.

Growing up in Texas i can tell you i have been "FAG-Bashed" with axe handles on more than one occasion.

Terrorism? I think so, within the context of a hate crime status- and now there are laws about that. No- Back-in-the-day you had to take your licks because the police wouldn't help you- after all you got what you deserve in their eyes.

There's a lot more that has changed, but again- it's the history of the world that reflects transitioning. Moreover the Internet alone has and is the single most thing affecting a Transition. It enables us to be here and network with others into maybe learning from and not being so alone. Ask yourself- where would you be without all these things? Cross Dressing in the closet?

-Marina

I would have to agree with marina that things have improved, especialy in the last 5 years. personally im much more intrested in what might be coming in the next 5 - 10 years.