Transsexual Model Fights Prejudice

[Shana A]

Transsexual Model Fights Prejudice

By Park Si-soo
Staff Reporter

http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2009/11/117_56299.html

When it comes to sex, whether it refers to gender or sexual intercourse, Korea, built upon Confucianist ideals, has stayed very conservative.

But the strictness on sexual relations has become radically relaxed in recent years to the level that people believe women who keep their virginity until marriage are virtually "an endangered species."

Hostility against sexual minorities such as homosexuals and transsexuals, however, still remains robust, providing the grounds for many sexually straight people to see them as potential criminals, trouble makers or even transmitters of disease.

[Julie Marie]

Asked the way to cope, she simply answered: "Self-confidence.

During this period, I have found many sexual minorities who distanced themselves from society to avoid public exposure," Choi said. "I would like to advise them that not to hide and come out. With a fear of public attention, it's all but impossible to change people's attitude toward us."

"I've come to have a female body through a painful surgical operation and been recognized as a women by a court. Instead of staying behind closed doors, I ventured out to expose myself and enjoy life as a woman," she said raising her tone of voice.

Smart words from such a young woman.  Staying hidden will never make people change their attitude towards us.