From: Jennifer Jane Leitham February 4, 2003 I'm very honored that so many people would ask my advice in personal matters. I'm always happy to hear from folks who are encouraging and positive, it truly helps to lift my spirits. But lately there have been some very serious requests from people who need guidance that I'm not equipped to provide. The last thing that I would want to happen as a result of my life choice would be to become some sort of advice-columnist to everyone who writes with questions regarding their gender problems. That being said, here's another last attempt: One thing I have learned from my experiences is that each of us is unique, our stories are different, and that no one approach works for everybody. If your inclination is strong enough you will find a way to happiness. Weigh the personal, emotional, and financial costs very seriously - this is going to affect the rest of your life. Hopefully society will learn that acceptance of people who are different is the only way to peace. We just can't all be the same in appearance or beliefs. My personal hope is that someday I'll be remembered as a decent human being and a musician who contributed some worthwhile results, NOT as a person who underwent Sexual Reassignment Surgery. If your questions are serious enough to be considering such an important life change I would recommend talking to a gender counselor, not a jazz bass player. Being a whole person, someone who makes a difference because of actions, not protests, is the path I hope to follow. If everyone would take the time to think about how they are presenting themselves, we could advance our culture in leaps and bounds. I welcome all who write. I try to respond to all but time doesn't allow detailed advice to the trans-lorn. I'm more interested in music!!!