Transsexual celebrity Ayana Tsubaki introduces Coppola's new film

Ayana here used to be a dude? Amazing!

I'd say he looks a lot better as a she. That kind of face on a guy could be pretty tough.

Would I go out on a date? Humm.... Yeah.

Not "used to be" a Dude; He still is. Genital Mutulation does not change one's sex. ASbsolutely disgusting that he is on TV. Where is the outrage?

Dubya - "genital mutilation"

So, Ayana is no longer in possession of male genitals, right? Then, she ain't a dude no mo!

transexual is also used in regards to a man that has had breast augmentation only. Ayana could still have his twig and berries. And that Adams apple is not little.

"his twig and berries"

Nice expression!

Only in Japan.

A person can be singled out and denied rights due to their nationality, but if you slice off your junk and get fake funbags you can be a celebrity?

Now she can follow all the "okama talent" and go on daytime talk shows spouting their relationship advice.

Like my dad told me, never trust a bald barber.

ASbsolutely disgusting that he is on TV. Where is the outrage?

Sorry. Too many adults.

Gender and sex are two different things. But, of course, a guy like you knew that already.

Gender and sex are unrelated?

Geez, everyone .... whatever. At any rate, the Aya impersonation thing is getting, really, really thin though. More than thin, it's way past its used-by-date.

I wonder how Francis Ford feels about Japanese producers promoting another one of their TV talents to introduce a film that has absolutely no connection with transgenderism ? People are free to do what they want with their lives, even if that means a man wanting to act like a girl, but this issue is about why these TV producers are allowed to mess around with someone else's project. I'd be interested to hear what Francis Ford has to say about his film being used in this way to showcase a Japanese TV transexual ?

yea, northlondon. I alwasy kinda wondered the same thing. That sumo dude in the will smith movie, and that other talento girl for the sex in the city movie, and now this dude/chic promoting coppolla gig. It's not that no one connected to the foreign movie/tv show/product is willing to front, will smith stood next to that sumo dude. Why do they think they need a talento to promoto a foreign movie, even when foreign stars agree to promote the movie?

Who makes the biggest money when a foreign movie/product is sold in Japan? the makers? the distributors? equal share?

Curious

What's it trying to prove? Once a man, always a man. No matter what surgery can accomplish.

***Once a man, always a man

Precisely, Ayana never was a man and always felt she was a woman, even when she was wearing the family jewels. So for me, she can mutilate her body, get the look she wants and live as a woman. The proverb says : If my aunt had balls, I'd call her my uncle. So, let her be my aunt.

The only problem is that's totally boring and unrelated with the film, as usual. That's true they tend to get idiot talentos to promote holliwood films, while they don't do it with Asian films. Maybe the idea comes from the American marketing team.

Francis Ford should make a complaint about the missing cast member. Or the missing cast members member..

transsexual you've had the knife work done.

transvestite you just wear the clothes, etc.

Wrong and wrong again, okapake.

"knife work"

That sends chills down my spine. In this case, the knife is used to cut off...

Francis Ford is quoted as saying that his new film has been cut quite a lot and most if it was left on the cutting room floor....

...although the cost of making his new film was a snip in comparison to The Godfather..

scary how close the gender and bloodlines are here. I would of never guessed. Actually it is kind of a unisex kawaii country now...

This person was born a man, and was intended to stay that way. God chooses your gender, it is not up to man to change that, it is disgusting. These operations should be banned, and the man educated into what being a man is. also the "celebrity" has nothing to do with the movie, and is turning the introduction into a cheap freak show, outragous.

Francis has said that he is looking for some more transvestment for his next movie.

God chooses your gender, it is not up to man to change that, it is disgusting.

Tell that to hermaphrodites, siamese twins and others who were born in those states. For all Japan's faults, at least I've never heard of such crimes as gay-bashing or murders of people just because they're gay or different. Killing innocent people is what I call DISGUSTING.

Pukey; Excuse me, but i did not condone killing innocent people, never have never will.

I think this type of operation should be made illegal, and these men should be put on Government re-education courses, until they realise their correct gender.

A person like this becoming a celebrity and introducing a hollywood movie, would fill all decent moral folks with disgust.

transsexual you've had the knife work done.

transvestite you just wear the clothes, etc.

Or, you could say, "Freaks!"

Why is this person a celebrity, for having a sex change? How about really talented people, having a chance introducing this film or being on telly.

I would not be influenced to watch this film, because of this celebrity. Why not have a star from the film, or show excerpts from the film. So many talent who are "untalented" make money for showing up for events, waste of money, which drives up cinema prices, to pay their wages.

I have no issues with homosexuality or transgenderism. But this is just a freak show for the benefit of television. Yet again it shows the gutter level of Japanese TV. If this dude, sorry this trans-lady, had any skill in singing, dancing or acting then fine. But all this dude does is mime to Aya what'shername's CD's.

I wonder how much of a negative effect this Ayana bloke will have on the box office numbers here in Japan ? I can see Coppola's production office raging over the telephone with the Japanese office.

He/she looks pretty, but the thought that this is biologically still an XY would turn me off.

You wouldn't wish transsexuality on your worst enemy. No choice for such people, as their brains are wired differently.

What is problem here? God didn't choose anything, ColAmerican... You don't accept it because our society dictates it. Were Romans soldiers gay because they where dressing in skirts and leather sandals? No. Who cares if guy would like to dress as she or the inverse. Not me.

Richrad the First; I would gladly wish transsexuality on Mr Fourmille next door. They never had these sex change things in my day, a man was a man and that was it.

This Ayana was probably brought up with dolls and stuff, instead of playing with action man and train sets. This film should have one of the actors introducing it.

The correct term in Japan is newhalf.

rjdsr; Who defines the correct term for this "person".

Maybe my definition of "freak" is more appropriate.

These people who cannot conform and want to show off by having a sex change are sick.This "dude" should be locked up in a mental institute, not making bucks, man is that sick!!

Where i live, these kinds of people would be driven out of town.

The dude should be kept out of public view, so decent folk don`t have to feel ill seeing him.

The dude should be kept out of public view, so decent folk don`t have to feel ill seeing him.

Have trouble with that remark but I do agree that this person has no place promoting a film or anything else other than sex changes. Why this person, what special talent does he/she/it have that makes it OK for her/him/it to be doing this?

This Ayana freak, should not be promoting anything

What's so freaky about her? Your comment freaks me out even more actually. Have you seen her on TV or hear her speaks, she is totally a woman.

I agree that she might not be appropriate introducing the movie, but I don't understand why you so freaked out about her sexuality

Wow! There is a LOT of ignorance flying here.

First, to ColAmerica, I cannot even begin to describe how wrong you are on just about everything you've said. As a transsexual myself, I have a pretty good understanding of how Ayana must feel, and you have no idea how much it hurts just reading what you have said. We are not freaks. We are human beings, and in America, I believe the it is life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. We (transgender individuals) strive to achieve our bliss and happiness in a world that treats us poorly because of ignorance like the kind you are spewing. The worst part of it is, you think you are speaking for most people! Most people aren't like you. People are (usually) kind and caring individuals. People like you are the reason why people go "stealth" (they disappear once they can fully pass in public and never let it be known). Let me ask you this question, if you woke up one day in a body of the opposite sex, what would you do? Don't just spout out an answer like, "Diddle myself". Seriously think about it.

As to why Ayana is promoting this movie, that's easy. First, SHE is popular in Japan. Second, it's an emotional story about change that a person is going through, and SHE can relate.

To clarify the situation (and so nobody tries playing these cards later), I was never abused, molested, or even raised in a liberal environment. My family would not let me play with dolls or anything overly feminine. I had never even met a transsexual (at least that I was aware of) until I hit 23. I always felt like I should have been born female. This wasn't a wake up one day and go "Hey! I wanna be a girl!" This was a serious decision. And before you even think of going there, I'm not doing this for a guy. I'm not into men, and I'm definitely not doing it to "diddle myself".

Thank you.

bimyou; This person was born a male. His situation when young must have led him to bad morals. If he was guided correctly, he would still be a man.

This movie will lose revenue in Japan, as moral folk will show their digust at the promortion, by not viewing the movie.

The only winner is the "celebrity" who`s only claim to fame is, having an operation!! What is the world coming to....

I still maintain that Ayana has no place in promoting this movie. I had emotional change at puberty, but i don`t get to promote movies about emotional change.

I agree with ColAmerica-

Guys like Ayana can get help emotionally and spiritually to guide them in the right path. Having a an operation to change your god given identity is morally wrong.

Ayana Tsubaki should not be feted in public, but ignored. If he/she just wished to be a woman, why draw so much attention to it?

Seems like a money making scheme to me.

Cos; I disagree with plastic surgery, except for those born with deformaties and those with burns and disfigured through accidents.

The differnce is , that people who chnge their appearance do not usually try to hange their gender, which is what was chosen for them.

This "celebrity" chose to make people believe he is female, rather like a conman. Coppola should be disgusted with this under hand stunt.

Come on Japan TV is full of Transvestites/ new half, okama, and they all want one thing..... To come up, have you seen the old one doing the hair implant commercial, what about the wigger with the full on bleached head and about 90 to boot.

Seriously I dont think its gender identity in japan its fashion like a Channel bag or a Gucci watch. Im pretty much to each there own, If I dont like it I dont associate with them but to promote this on TV in front of vulnerable kids is BS. If they grow older and decide fine but to be blasted with it like its the in thing is BS.

This "Celebrity" is a sign of things that are wrong with society. Allowing a talentless person who changes sex to promote a film is morally wrong. Kids seeing this Tsubaki could be confused and upset.

A terrible role model for decent clean cut young folk.

Well, ColAmerica, while I definitely do not like your views AT ALL, I do definitely have respect for you. You seem well versed and rather eloquent. And while you insult transgendered people everywhere, you are not insulting to the forum posters.

That being said, I grew up with several good influences and much guidance. I went to church every Sunday. My father did not work on the weekends, and he took me out to do all the traditional "father son bonding" things. That argument just doesn't hold water. It's not a childhood influence or anything of that nature that makes me a transsexual. It's the fact that I am who I am, and that person is a transsexual.

There are many studies coming out more recently that point out that transsexuality is biological. I know no one here takes stuff at face value, so I'm including a link below to it. Also, one of the very first things that the fascinating book "Brain Sex" says is that gender identity is not a choice. A good book and great read.

Link to a study: http://jcem.endojournals.org/cgi/content/full/85/5/2034

As to why there are not any plastic surgeons who do the surgeries in your area, that is a simple law of supply and demand. Many transsexuals go to Thailand for their surgery because it is much cheaper. Many travel to different cities in the United States for an experienced doctor. Not very many want to be guinea pig for a doctor just learning the trade. Besides, most transsexuals don't want to out themselves in the area where they live and work for fear of persecution.

Here's one to chew over, what would you do if your child, your own flesh and blood, came out as a transsexual and began under going treatment? Keep in mind that roughly 50% of all transsexuals who never receive any treatment or therapy by the age of 20 commit suicide.

carash: Thanks for the link. I will take a look and reply to your post shortly.

Just one thing, is there any reason why 50% transsexuals without treatment commit suicide, is it depression?

Oh! Almost forgot! As to why she's qualified for this, she's a model in Japan and wrote out her autobiography which is a hit over there. I hope they release it here as well.

"RichardtheFirst Wrong and wrong again, okapake."

You're wrong. You'd better look it up!

ColAmerica, yes, it is a very deep rooted depression. I cannot even begin to describe how it feels, but thankfully, I did not submit to it. After starting on Hormone Replacement Therapy, I began to feel much better.

To RichardTheFirst, quick question in the "wouldn't wish it on worst enemy" statement, are you implying that there is something inherently wrong with transsexualism, or are you implying that the depression and culture make it harder to live in?

hey everybody, ease up a bit. No one should be dictating how other people should live their lives.

This coming from a guy that kind of understands the lesbian thing but has to admit being completely clueless how a man can be attracted to another man or why some men assume the identity of a women.

Because the bible says its wrong doesn't necessarily mean this moral obligation applies to non believers. If it turns out there is a God in heaven, well, then hell is going to be a pretty crowded place and even us straight people better get used to living next to homosexuals.

VOR; My points are not specifically about gay folk, it is about Tsubaki and others like her, who change their gender, so they have a different body than the one chosen for them.

I do not understand why a transexual would promote a movie, unless it was about transexuals.

ColAmerica: its not for either one of us to judge what Tsubaki or any other transexual does with their body. Its wierd and I don't understand it, but neither you or I really have the right to criticize them.

Think about it, there has to be some intense inner conflict going on inside these people and the last thing you or I should be doing is inserting ourselves into their personal struggle.

VOR; I don`t say they must go to the pits of hell or similar. I just believe Tsubaki and others who do this operation are doing something morally wrong.

I like to follow the rules laid down in the New Testament. These brules also say,not to use violence and not to discriminate, so i don`t.

I think these people need mental help, and can be cured.Becoming another sex, means most people can tell,and leads to more prejudice and bullying. I know in my town , someone would have avery bad time, some are very extreme in their beliefs, an dmay even harm someone like this.

I wish these things didn`t have to happen. carash posted a link, maybe have a look, i am not saying i agree with it, just that it is interesting and enlightens one somewhat.

I don`t like the fact that a transexual is famous just for that reason, same as for gays, and in Japan, straight man pretending to be gay. That is insulting to gays, and stereotyping i think.

ColAmerica: you are missing my point. You believe a certain way and thats your right. Transsexuals think another way, that is their right. Last time I check the US Constitution does not have a pecking order on who's rights were more important than others.

Live your life according to your moral code and let others live their lives by their's.

Gayness and Transgenderedness is somewhat accepted in Japan but the public acceptance has its limits. It is still seen as an oddity but it lacks the moral condemnation that is common within societies built upon Judeo-Christian and Islamic moral codes.

This is one aspect of Japanese society I respect.

VOR; Sir, i am sorry but i must disagree with you regarding morals.

In Japan most gays are hiding the fact. Many are stuck in false marriages, to please their families expectations.

Gays are considered easy fodder to mock, just like foreigners, pick on the weakest, thay bhave very low morals.

Also check how many abortions are carried out yearly in Japan, and also the lack of concern.

Tsubaki would be a noone without having this operation. Now he is wealthy. I believe his choice to change sex, may have been maxde for his financial benefit.

ColAmerica: not saying Japan doesn't have problems in these areas you mention. Every society has social norms. For people who live outside those norms, they have to decide whether they will live openly and suffer the consequences or live a lie and suffer the consequences.

It is this no win situation that gays and transgenders find themselves in that makes me believe that being gay or transgendered is not a choice and condemning these people only makes the world more divisive.

I can't help but think as a parent that I would not love my child with the same unconditional love if one turned out to be gay. That is the moral code I live by and somehow I think Jesus would be accepting of that.

VOR; I have no bone to pick with gay people. The bible (new testament), does not condemn homosexuality.

In fact a close friend of mine died of aids. He had to keep his sexuality a secret until near his death, as he would have been ostracised by the community.

Tsubaki changed her gender, that is my problem. God didn`t make him male , so he could be made female and in other cases vice versa.

If this is a big problms therapy should be readily available, to help people through their mental crisis.

ColAmewrica, if you are using the Bible to dictate the way you live your life and judge others then you are a member of a minority group, as are transexuals. the majority of the world's population will disagree with you. I admire conviction and people who follow their personal beliefs, only when they dont try to impose them on others. when Tsubaki starts telling other people how to live their life I'll have a negative opinion of her. when christians start dictating their myths to others I cant help but have a negative opinion of them.

ColAmerica: Tsubaki changing her gender is her problem not yours and thats the point I have been trying to make.

The world is full of people trying to dictate to other people how they should live their lives. People telling people they can't eat meat, can't drive a SUV, can't wear a fur, can't say certain words, can't drink, can't smoke, can't curse, can't raise their kids the way they see fit, can't control what they do with their bodies, can't be true to themselves. Its time to reject all that nonsense.

We all make choices. We are all fallable. I'm just willing to give people who are not imposing themselves on me the same latitude.

lipscombe; I don`t tell anyone how to live their life,that is up to them. I give my opinion,and in this case changer gender is against my beliefs.

I wish people would not do this operation, but i amnot trying to force thm not to. I think they need re eduction and therapy.Many of these people start taking hormone sof the opposite sex when teens, thir bodies are changing, they may be confused, and can`t make the correct choice for themselves.

I do not believe sex chnged people hould become famous because of an op.

VOR; The fact is that in Japan this person is famous for having a sex change, ridiculous. People ridicule me often for my religous beliefs, and call them a fairy tale and myth, like a poster above did.

I dont mind i believe in free speech, and i dont believe in forcing anyone to do anything.

I am just giving my opinion, that i feel this surgery is wrong. I think this guy made a grave mistake.

She's actually very sexy, and looks good. I can happily watch some tripe on tv if she's on it.

Richard; This person is not a she, it is a man, who has been altered by surgey. A person who obviously enjoys the limelight and financial benefits from it, could hardly complain about criticism, nor should her "fan club" here on JT.

Sick. I'm sure thatt his will go far in helping Japanese people accept "diversity" whether they want it or not (just like what's being judically rammed down Americans' throats)....

who has been altered by surgey

Whoever Surgey is, he's done a good job.

I think some posters should research "sex-change" and what is involved(like multiple operations, months(often years) of hormone-treamtents, very expensive, etc.

This is NOT your quick nip&tuck in Miami or Cali where everything is done in a 2 week holiday.

As to why Ayana is promoting this movie, that's easy. First, SHE is popular in Japan. Second, it's an emotional story about change that a person is going through, and SHE can relate.

I have to disagree with that one. He/ she is not popular in Japan. The TV producers are merely pushing him/ her as the latest minor celebrity soon to be forgotten about in a couple of months time. I was watching TV in an izakaya in Shinjuku on Saturday and he/ she just happened to be on the show. The only comments I heard were derogatory and the men in the izakaya seemed embarrassed to have that TV show on in front of them at that time. There is no connection with Francis Ford's movie whatsoever.

As to why she's qualified for this, she's a model in Japan and wrote out her autobiography which is a hit over there.

Please. What on earth does that have to do with this movie ??

Thing is though, you can normally tell. Go to Motown II in the pong and (granted they don't look as good as Ayana) but you can get a sense that something isn't right if you talk to one of the she-male's up there.

Aethetically, she's the best I've seen and oozes femininity when on telly.

Does she have anything to do with thsi film, or is it just omeone to stand there with the usual fake J smile.

Gays in Japan are taboo but when they are TV-personalities it is ok (like foreigners? :p)

Those harsh comments agaist ayanne tsubaki come from persons who feel atracted to her but cannot deal with the fact that she was a man before.

with all typical comedians with gimmicks her gimmick is real.

Reminds me of riding the SkyTrain in Bangkok. I've never seen so many gender-unspecific individuals in one place. I guess there's room for everyone.

carash, I meant that after having met many transsexuals, it's not something they do on a whim. Nobody would choose to be potentially ridiculed by family and friends, suffer smirks and stares when out and about, especially if they can't pass easily and generally face prejudice and ignorance where ever they go. Nobody would commit themselves to a possible life threatening and life altering operation unless absolutely necessary.

Born with God-given female emotions, female self-image, and female sexual orientation but into a God-given male body. What to do? ColUS says 'psychological help' which would be an operation of a different kind. Akin, almost, to torture.

What of the God-given severe cleft palates or the God-given genital deformities - some are so severe doctors can't determine the sex of the baby? No operation for them either?

But I do agree, if Ayana were to be identified as 'celebrity' Ayana vs 'transsexual celebrity' this thread would have a heck of a lot fewer posts. She has done her job - at least for JT.

being a transsexual is a personal choice and none of my business. Being a celebrity Just Because you are a transsexual is pathetic. Bottom Line.

To Richard the First, good answer. You're definitely okay in my book.

To northlondon, the reasons I gave for why SHE (not he/she) is promoting the book was not meant to have any direct correlation with the film. She gives the direct correlation at the end of the short article: "Everybody often feels they want to change their lives. But once it happens in reality, there is often something new to worry about. The film reminded me of my own transition.” As to why she was treated poorly on a show, I think that just proves that some people are ignorant everywhere you go.

To ColAmerica, now you are backing into a wall by turning to faith and religion in the New Testament on this one. Let's gets biblical.

First comment, you may turn to the Bible and point out the line about the body being a temple. By having our bodies being temples, they are temples for our soul. While we should not soil our temples with filth (although alcohol, smoking, drugs, caffeine, etc... runs rampant and is a lot worse than Hormone Replacement Therapy or any surgeries we may have), should we not also show our respect and love for God by changing the temple to reflect the soul. The temple in and of itself is not what's important here, what is important is what is inside the temple. The temple staying clean was meant to be a reference to the fact that the temple should reflect the soul and vice-versa. So by saying all of that, you see that changing ones temple to reflect the soul inside is perfectly acceptable.

Second, you probably do not view us as women (or the reverse being men), and you probably just view us as eunuchs. That being said, I'd like you to open your Bible to Matthew Chapter 19 verse 12. Let's all read along from the King James Version (what most fundamentalist Christians view as the only proper translation) shall we. Jesus: "For there are some eunuchs, which were so born from their mother's womb: and there are some eunuchs, which were made eunuchs of men: and there be eunuchs, which have made themselves eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven's sake. He that is able to receive it, let him receive it." This means that Eunuch's get a free pass into Heaven, so I guess it's a shame there aren't more eunuchs. Then there might be more people in Heaven.

Now, I would like to point out that even in the ultimate church state country of Iran, where homosexuality will get you stoned to death and morality police roam the streets, transsexuality is accepted. Their view of it is, if you change a tree into a table, is it a sin? A rock into a sculpture? No! So if you change a man into a woman or a woman into a man, is it a sin? No. You are only helping them to achieve a greater destiny with it.

Because we were having a more intellectual debate than "Ooh... Transsexuals are icky!"

Carash; I have to say I'm impressed. It takes a considerable amount of patience to argue your point intelligently with logic. That's more than most posters here do. Seems like there are a lot of knee-jerk reactions here. I for one think that Ayana is sexy. I applaud her raising awareness and hopefully acceptance of transsexual/transgender people. We shouldn't discriminate. Period. Though I know that's a hard concept for humans to accept. Historically people have always feared and despised that which they do not understand. Different races, cultures, lifestyles, sexualities, etc. It's called Xenophobia, and as adults in this globalized world, we should be able to see past it. Unfortunately some of us hide behind our books that we barely understand sniping at those who challenge our world veiw. "It isn't what you don't know that gets you in trouble... It's what you know that isn't so."

To Anotsusagami, thank you very much. I must agree with you an applaud your post (not just because you complimented me of course). It is a case of Xenophobia in most of the people, and that is why I do try to promote equal rights for all people, especially the transgender community who feel often left behind.

The one point I have to disagree with you somewhat on is the idea that transsexuals have historically been viewed with fear and malice. In the Native American culture, intersexed people and transgender people were often seen as Shaman and great miracle workers. In Rome, they were prized. In India, they are known as the hijras, and while, yes they do face discrimination, they are considered to have great powers. They are always present at funerals and births, and if they curse you, you are ostracized. Even the people of Papua New Guinea revere intersexed and transgender people.

It's when you start looking at gender as binary that suddenly we are seen as freaks and outcasts. And as we all know, nothing in nature is purely binary. Everyday, people are born with intersexed conditions, people are born with mismatched chromosomes (EX: XXY, XYY, XXX, etc...), people are born with a brain that develops differently than other people of the same sex.

If you're interested in reading a VERY good book about what the transgender community has to go through, I recommend "Transgender Rights". It's a bit of a dry read, but the information is incredibly enlightening.

I think this type of operation should be made illegal, and these men should be put on Government re-education courses, until they realise their correct gender.

Well carash defended the point about discrimination on transexuals. As for the comment of the quote... If you put "these men" into therapy and re-education the only thing that you will achieve is that their "correct gender" is the one in your soul and not the physical one.

Well, and for not being off topic, i don't know this celebrity and why she is a celebrity, I cannot see the relationship between her and the movie, but as many ways to make publicity, to have a transexual doing it certainly called the attention, look at all the posts on this section only.. Pity that as a publicitary "stunt" is working only for Ayana and not for the film...

Guys out there...for god's sake, now can we stop all these attention to Ayana.It's his/her choice and his/her sex now. We are all seems so shocked with this transexualism. Go to Thailand and you'll notice that 1/4 of the population has done this and that to their bodies, added those foreigners who go there to have this and that changed when they can't be satisfied with what they got.

We now live in cyberism, anyhing can happen and for sure us and them has fantasized

How about a She/He sex-changes those are very common too. Or are those ok because they get a fruit and veggies?

Many years back I worked out with a guy that went through a sex-change, watched the whole transformation over a 2yr period. She in the end was happy but one thing she regretted that she had to give up her reproductive ability to do it. Same counts for both changes.

CONTINUATION OF THE ABOVE COMMENT: for once, given the resources (financial) and courage, to change some part of our bodies we are not comfortable with.

Let's just wish him/her to be happy from now and be content that she could be more useful now than before and not regret anything since "the dead is cast" and there's no turning back.

I am amazed at how many people support this person. What is needed is therapy , conselling and possibly a course of medications.

People having cosmetic surgery are bad enough, but changing your god giving sex , is a taboo which should not be boken.

ColAmerica, Rather than be amazed at how many people 'support' (i.e. don't condemn) Ayana, maybe you should reconsider why you don't. Therapy and counseling is what most transsexuals have for years before coming to the conclusion that they are in the wrong body and then, using the God-given talents of a surgeon, change. And where is the taboo about changing your body, by the way?

Hey ColAmerica, I have to agree with borscht on this one. While I did not need therapy to realize I was a transsexual, I still needed to go to a psychologist for three months before they would write me a letter for hormones. Then, I had to get a physical done once every six months. That, in combination with the cost of the hormones (which I have to take for the rest of my life), and saving up for surgery, doesn't leave much in the way of free money. Trust me, being a transsexual is not a cheap or easy task. That is one of the many reasons why I support her doing this. Money is hard to come by when you are hemorrhaging it left and right.

So, in a sense, she has done the three things you recommended she do. She has had therapy and counseling. She has also started on medications which I'm betting are greatly helping her after she was probably pretty depressed. The medication is called estrogen.

I'm afraid that you have run out of logical and otherwise reasons for why you disapprove of transsexuals. Now, we are getting to the meat of the issue. Yes, you are a straight, incredibly heterosexual man, however, there are some personal insecurities about changing one's body that you seem to have. I think this one makes you rather uncomfortable because you have a hard time finding any reason for why a "man" might want to become a woman. The truth of the matter is, you will never fully know or understand why we do it. All you can do is be secure in yourself and love and help others.

carash; I don`t have any personal insecurities about changing ones body, heck! Why should i.

I still think the best option is counselling and medication. Having a good priest would also help to encourage the person to stay the same sex.

many peopl aren`t religious anymore, so possibly they do not have the support network of friends and family, that i take for granted.

People seem to think i amk some sort of bigot for not supporting Tsubaki and people like taht. far from it, personally i am against it, because i believe it to be wrong, but if they want to go ahead and face, what i believe will be a more hostile approach from people, then go ahead.

Also, i would like to know, why would someone who has had one of these operations,need to take medication for the rest of their lives?

To ColAmerica: Okay! So they need to talk to a priest and find God. Maybe someone like the Anglican reverend, Rev Sarah Jones (transsexual) or the Baptist minister, Allyson Robinson (also transsexual). Faith and the human condition don't have to be at ends. I've made my peace with God, and there is no part of me that questions who or what I am. Maybe it was God's plan to make us this way. I believe the saying is "God moves in mysterious ways".

And the part about family and friends and support networks, you'd be amazed at how far reaching those are. We are often eventually accepted by our families, and our friends almost never seem to mind. It's more about opening the hearts and minds of others that I'm concerned with.

As to why we have to continue taking hormones, our bodies do not produce it naturally. Sure the ability to make testosterone or estrogen can be removed, but then we would have no hormones, so we must continue to take the hormones in order to continue our life and development.

I'm not meaning to sound like I'm picking at you. I just want you to know that faith and religion are not the main points of contention here. By waving that flag to keep up your argument, you are, in fact, inviting trouble. I appreciate your honesty, and I do not feel you are a bigot. If I did, I wouldn't be continuing to chat with you. I just feel you are a little misguided and ill-informed in this particular situation.

People having cosmetic surgery are bad enough, but changing your god giving sex , is a taboo which should not be boken.

still not telling others what to do eh? keep up the good work

besides, the theme of this movie is unusual physical change. I guess she knows something about that, no more or less than Bono knows about agriculture or the pope knows about condoms.

carash- What you have to understand, is that evryone is brought up diferently and have different views. When i was a teen if i went to my father abd said"Sir i want to become a woman", i am sure he would have blown my brains out, without any hesitation.

If your body needs hormones daily, isn`t this a sign, that you were not intended to do this surgery.

Surely, life is more difficult after a sex change, as some folks will bully and harress you while you go about your daily business.

...the film’s story in which a 70-year-old man is struck by lightning and starts to become younger,

I see hollywood is still cranking out great material

if i went to my father and said "Sir, I want to become a woman," I am sure he would have blown my brains out, without any hesitation.

You don't have to perpetuate your father's prejudices. You can start your own.

Also, many people need medication for various reasons (holes in hearts being one) for the rest of their lives. Should they be denied these?

ColAmerica; I certainly do not advocate refusing a person medication that may prolong life, ease suffering, caused by disease or injury.

I was thinking about this matter toady, and thought, if the men take female hormones and have therapy to help them, they why not have male hormones and therapy, they could become mor manly, problem solved!!

Sorry borscht i meant to say, too much work today phew!!!

then why not have male hormones and therapy, they could become more manly, problem solved!!

Well, that certainly is a novel approach. One I had never thought of. However, I think the hormone treatment is for after the operation and therapy, well, therapy helps the person discover who they really are, not how to be something they aren't. I think.

I wonder what carash has to say about that.

borsct; i thought up the idea today, while thinking about the subjects.

I wonder if this method has ever been tried.

then why not have male hormones and therapy, they could become more manly, problem solved!!

What you are inside often is "sincronized" with what your are outside (physically).

But I said "often", some times the physical body is the opposite to what you are inside, I do believe that Ayana was always a woman trapped in a man's body, why should she have to take testosterone pills denying her true gender?

To ColAmerica and borscht: Yes, it has been thought of before, and seriously, what do you think the consequences were? Take teenagers who hate their lives, not because they are outcast, but because they cannot stand what puberty is doing to them and then pump more testosterone into them? You are practically signing a death warrant. It has been done before and it was SEVERELY detrimental.

By the way, hormone therapy is from the beginning. The timeline goes like this: realization you need some form of help -> Go to a psychologist (continue counseling on through this) -> Get a letter -> Go to doctor -> Get physical then hormones (which you take for the rest of your life) -> Start saving for operations -> Go back to psychologist to get another letter -> Get letter from Doctor -> Go to surgeon -> Get operations done -> Continue on with your life. This is of course simplified, but I think it works.

As to taking medicine to "ease suffering", we do take medications to ease suffering. They're called estrogen and anti-androgens (testosterone blockers). We can stop taking anti-androgens if we get an orchiectomy (having the testicles surgically removed), and we can cut back a lot on the taking of the estrogen. As to taking it daily, that really depends on what form of it you use. I, personally, take estradiol which is by injection every three weeks.

Life is actually a LOT LESS difficult for you after the surgery. The main hard points are during your early transitioning phase (roughly 2 months to a year depending on the person). That is the time when you are worried you will be picked on and bullied, you have become a lot more emotional, and your worried about if people will call you out. However, once you get over that hump, life becomes a LOT easier. Honestly, if you saw Ayana walking down the street, and you didn't know in advance, would you be able to tell? You're probably going to start looking closer at the picture and try to pick out something, but in real life, you wouldn't notice, and you would be none the wiser.

Last (because I've been dreading this one), I want to talk about your father. I'm honestly very sad to hear you believe he held you in so little regard. If he actually did, then I'm even more sorry for you. Most of America is not transsexual or transgender in any way, shape, or form, but most of them don't have home lives like that. It's not a matter of being morally loose or liberal, that sounds more in the oppressive field. I know you probably want to jump up and defend your dad here, but seriously, if that is the feeling you got from him, I have to wonder about it. Hell, he may have been more laid back if he was on the anti-androgens.

Another question that is for all you cisgendered people out there (if you have to ask what cisgendered is, you probably are one). Seriously think about this one, would you have a sex change surgery for a million dollars? Think it over.

carash; I was not aware that the treatment i suggested had already been tried. I do not know how i would act if confronted with Ayana or someone else who had been surgivally altered. I have only seen transvestites, who were not very convincing at all.

I suppose if you feel more comfretable as you are, then it has worked out for you.

I respect my father, but i don`t want to emulate his aggressive ways. If my boy said he wanted to change sex, i would be devasted, but if in the end he made the choice, i would accept it. I would not threaten or disown one of my family for going against my personal beliefs, unless they were a serial killer or rapist for instance,

Francis has said that he is looking for some more transvestment for his next - northlondon

That was a good one northlondon.

And this is Ayana's blog.

http://ameblo.jp/tsubaki-ayana/

See if you can find anything "manly" about her.

Lipscombe and VOR - Tsubaki being paraded around as soemthing or some kind of "normal" person, whien such is not normal, IS imposing beliefs and views on others. This is the reason why ColAmerica has spoken up, using the bible in his posts. What this person is doing is parading around and receiving accolades and attention for something that, really, is a disporder of the Nth degree. Yet, people here have defended Tsubaki and praised him, even so far as calling a sex-change operation "courageous". Tsubaki's "celebrity" IS imposing a belief that is exteeme on the norms of others. That is why people such as ColAmerica, borscht, and my self, choose to speak up.

blue tiger, yaaawn. so predictable and so wrong. what are you? a courageous crusader for the rest of us? errrr, no. as I said, you a member of a minority group and most of us are just not interested.

Most of this is about shattered perceptions of masculinity. To find her cute is an abomination to some yet I am sure they secretly do. Looking at the pics on her blog make you realise that she oozes femininity. Yes, she is biologically male, that will never change but there is nothing manly about her now. She is gorgeous regardless of her past.

Richard The First; Sir, i do not find this person cute in any manner. I think the operations are moraaly wrong and against god wishes.

If persons , such as this woman have the op, they should be free to live without persecution.

To Blue_Tiger: This may sound clichéd, but what is normal? Is normal going around in the wrong body while being clinically depressed? Is it expecting to be treated like a human being? Is it not getting equal rights? Is it having your children taken away from you? Is it being told by the courts that you are not a human being? Is it expecting to be able to get a job without facing discrimination?

The only thing that is not normal is the fact that we are not being treated like human beings. We are being treated as sub-human, and it is all caused by ignorance and bigotry. We are not trying to "convert" you to being transgendered. We are not trying to "corrupt" anyone (especially the children since quite a few of us have them). All we want is respect and to be treated as human beings.

To ColAmerica: Without actually meeting or looking for a LOT more information on transgender people (especially transsexuals), your response is about the best that can be expected given the circumstances.

cara; I was going to look at links you posted, but they seem to have dissapeared, like a lot of things do here.

I would not know where to find unbiased informtion about transgendered folk.

Addendum: To ColAmerica: Not the response I wanted, mind you, but at the very least, it's progress.

To ColAmerica: Sorry about that. I just got an e-mail stating that it wasn't related to the article. Go figure. I'm removing the links with pictures of people, so this one shouldn't be removed.

A good podcast with a LOT of information can be found here:

http://www.trans-ponder.com

Also, if you're interested in the whole process that we have to go through, check out the site below:

http://www.tsroadmap.com

If you want to see some of what we have had to endure, visit the transgender day of remembrance site below:

http://www.rememberingourdead.org

Lipscombe - Yes, and predictable of you too, to blow off what was posted. All the same, this Tsubaki is -- by the media showing him off -- trying to impose his beliefs and his ideology off on the majority. If you cannot answer a post, Lipsxcombe, why not just say so? Further, maybe in japan, Christians are in the vast minority, but what about elsewhere, like the USA or South Korea? How is it that one group that is TRULY in the minority (Gay, Lesbians, Transgendered, Cross-dressers, and Bisexuals) get more rights than Christians?

carash - so who told tsubaki that he was walking around in the "'wrong' body" in the first place? Who was mistreating Tsubaki that he felt like he needed ot become a woman (or attempt to, at any rate)? Who told Tsubaki that he wasn't a human because he was born a boy, but wanted to be a girl? What court handed down a verdict of "non-human" to Tsubaki? Who took his children away? Who took his job away or fired him for wantign to be a woaman? Who was discriminating against Tsubaki because he felt the need to change his sex (or try to)?

Why is it when people look at a person who makes a sickening, unnatural lifestyle choice, and criticize that they get all sorts of labels pasted all over them? Why is there no room any longer for intelligent disagreement and honest debate? Why is it when GLBT people criticize the church, and opposition arises, they shout "Free Speech", but when the church turns and criticizes GLBT people, it is labeldd "Hate Speech"?

christians are a WORLD minority, look it up.

All the same, this Tsubaki is -- by the media showing him off -- trying to impose his beliefs and his ideology off on the majority.

this is pure nonsense

Why is it when people look at a person who makes a sickening, unnatural lifestyle choice?

It is not a question of choice, homosexuals, lesbians and transexuals do not choose their sexual preference and gender perception. They are what they are.

Lipscombe, how about you doing some "look(ing) it up" and realize that Christianity is the largest faith in the world, with something like a billion and a half followers. Now, if we look at the whole world, then, yes, Christians are outnumbered and we are the minority. But then again, how can the world's largest faith be considered a minority? And instead of dismissing my comments about Tsubaki as "pure nonsense", how abourt answering the questions I posed? If you can't, just say so. What the media is doing with Tsubaki is imposing transsexual beliefs off on people who know and believe differently. Anyone who cannot see that is naiive or blind or both.

Why is there no room any longer for intelligent disagreement and honest debate?

Read carash and ColAmerica's posts for an intelligent and honest debate. And add to it with your own intelligent and honest posts.

Why is it when GLBT people criticize the church, and opposition arises, they shout "Free Speech"

Because a lot of the GLBT criticism of the church is along the lines of 'Please take your religion off of my body.' And 'Just because I'm GLBT doesn't mean I don't or can't love Jesus/God.' And 'Why are you screaming hateful words at me just because I'm not straight?'

but when the church turns and criticizes GLBT people, it is labeled "Hate Speech"?

Because a lot of the church's criticism of GLBT people is along the lines of 'You're Going to HELL!" "You are The Devil!" "Pervert!" And, my particular favorite that I heard once on a 'news' program: "Because you're gay, you're a whore and a slut and Jesus doesn't love you." Sounds like hate speech to me.

However, you are correct that Christianity is the majority religion in the world with something like 2 billion followers. Followed by Islam with about 1.5 billion and coming in third: non-religious/atheist/agnostic with a little over 1 billion.

Now, if we look at the whole world, then, yes, Christians are outnumbered and we are the minority. But then again, how can the world's largest faith be considered a minority?

typical christian myopia. so you agree you are a minority. good, glad we agree about something, hands across the ocean etc .faith or not, that matters not one little whit. answer your questions? hahaha no need Borscht just did a very fine job, well done. he's right about ColAmerica and Carash too.

Wow...Ms. Ayana is becoming a big celebrity now because of us! Either we are defenders or critics of Ayana but either way is publicity for her, bad or good. Guys leave her alone and have mercy. It was and would be a long and winding road for her now.

Carash: Thank you for the website you provided. Although I am straight, out of curiousity I visited it and learned something from it.

Speaking of RELIGION: I think that some religion, major or minor is just pure hypocricy lecturing in the name of god, trying to brainwash and control people's moral. A lot of people will say "in the name of god" to manipulate people. Religion is a very controversial matter, regardless of how pure or genuine its doctrines. AMEN

Speaking of GENDER: I have nothing against homosexuals, lesbians, bisexuals, transexuals or whatever form of sexualism. We all have our sex, one way or the other. Unfortunately, some could be beyond our control but we just couldn't LET IT BE... AMEN.....

Carash - just wanted to say that I have really enjoyed and been educated by reading your posts on this topic. This is not a topic I know an awful lot about hence my lack of comment (except that I very much feel that everyone can choose for themselves the right path for them) but I am coming away from this particular forum a little wiser than when I arrived. I am sure you are as beautiful outside as you seem to be inside - I admire your bravery and I wish you very well in your future.

Live and let live and the world would be a better place...

To kirakira25 and 1001tlc: Thank you both for your beautiful posts. I first decided to post in this forum in order to help educate, and I can rest easier knowing that I have.

To borscht, lipscombe: Thank you for complimenting ColAmerica and my debate. I do take that as a high compliment. I know you have both been on my "side" since the beginning, and I really appreciate your help.

Now, to Blue Tiger: First, let me say, I hope you read over my previous posts before you post again because I'm afraid I really don't like repeating myself.

Also, as to your questions and statements about Ayana forcing her beliefs on others, I just have one thing to say, "I don't get it". Yes, the world is mostly Christian (that's all sects combined including Catholic, Jehovah Witnesses, Mormons, Baptists, etc...), and while transsexuals are not viewed as ideal, most sects of Christianity will either support them or just state they don't quite approve. They don't actually persecute. Their are a few stories about transsexuals being chased out of churches and those were incidents mainly concerning a local church and not the whole sect. That being said, Christians shouldn't have a problem with transsexuals.

However, if you want me to go about this discussion a little differently, do you protest a film Tom Cruise is in, purely because he's a Scientologist? Or golf clubs Tigerwoods is selling purely because he is Buddhist?

The hell of it is, both of the arguments I just gave deal with religion, and you are objecting to a transsexual because she exists. You are saying the only way she is shoving the belief that transsexuals are okay and are people too, is by not wearing a burlap sack and living in a dark room. We exist. Get used to it because we are tired of hiding.

Richard the first: Live and let live...yes indeed! BECAUSE THE WORLD IS ROUND, and we only live once, why not make the most of it and be HAPPY.

Carash: As a human being, we learn tolerance and acceptance. We live and cohabit because we exist. We should be proud of what we are or what we become. We all can be transparent and I beleive that everyone has the basic right or freedom to shine through.☺♡☆

carash; I viewed the links provided with my wife yesterday.

Very informative. I will be bringing up the subject of transgendered people at our next regional church meeting, later this month.

I will present the information, and hope people will listen to my speech.

I hope i can ensure someone who wishes to change sex, can be accepted in our community. Where i live , most of life revolves around the church, i hope i can make my community more tolerant.

ColAmerica, I salute you sir

i think that's a shame for many talent women, why a transsexual?...

lipscombe- Thank you sir.

I believe from online discussion boards all of us can learn things, if we look at them without leting our own prejudices and biases blind us.

To ColAmerica: Thank you very much for that! You just made my day. I know that it will be an interesting topic of debate at your church, but I just want to you to know, I, on behalf of the community, thank you. I know there may not be a point when we are fully accepted, but I know that when it comes right down to it, we are all humans looking for our way in this world. I wanted to also say that I have greatly appreciated speaking with you. On most forums, I fear the art of debate and discussion boils down to name calling, and I appreciate the fact that we have actually been able to speak with each other.

I see ColAmerica as trying to make a true effort and respect him for it.

Looks to me as he changed his viewpoint after getting more info. And that is all we can ask for, may it be religious, political, etc. In short look at both sides than form your opinion.

Like carash not sure if he will be successful, but his attempt alone gets him points from me. Said that looks to me now like he is willing to face opposition.

Myself have many gay/lesbian and a few transsexual friends.

Anyway kudos to him.

P.S.: I had a bad view on him but this earns him points in my book. And I am as hetero-sexual as they come. Can't get into a MMF even. ;)

carash- It is possible to understand others and stick with ones convictions. I believe Jesus would not turn away someone who was different than someone we consider "normal".

I hope to encourage folks in my area to be more open minded. We have a decrease in population here, where youngsters are leaving. Maybe it is too conservative and judgemental for them to feel themselves.

ColAmerica - I agree with you a 100% about the understanding others and sticking with convictions. Don't get me wrong at all. Jesus would be the first to say, "It's okay".

As to younger generation, that's probably a combination of things. I do have to say though, the younger people I know tend to say, they don't like being judged. I think openness and understanding is the only way for everyone to achieve their goals.

What a cute girl. But what she's wearing - eek! Leave the red pantyhose for a more dramatic look, honey.

Yeah. Sometimes fashion gets a little out of hand. :)

ColAmerica,

I hope i can ensure someone who wishes to change sex, can be accepted in our community

By presenting any information or ideas you have you may come under some ridicule or you may be looked upon as a leader. In either case, good work.

By the way, by not hiding a child of mine with a disability, a person in my wife's church decided not to hide her child with the same disability. She was too 'ashamed' and kept her child at home until she saw how my wife and I treated our child as 'normal.' I hope your speech allows someone to be as open about their life/emotions/gender in your church and that the other members accept him or her without discrimination.

Wow, lot of hateful comments above. Transgender people have the highest suicide rate thanks to idiots I see above. As for Ayana Tsubaki status, she had the full operation and has had her gender legally changed. The only difference between her and a born female is that she can not have children.

Would I date her if I was single? Pfff like she would date me!