Either female or male

I was dismayed to see the picture of a man attempting to look like a woman has made front page news (“Speaking up for change,” July 2). Is there nothing more enlightening or newsworthy to report to the majority of us who are offended by this nonsense? The audacity of his statement, “I was a bit baffled why public opinion should matter” (concerning sex-change surgery) was surprising. First of all, many of us resent our tax dollars foolishly spent for the surgery as well as supporting (Medicaid and insurance) an able-bodied, educated male just because he “feels” like a woman.

Humans are capable of uncontrollable, illogical feelings, and I have sympathy for those afflicted. Chromosomes determine your gender. You are either female or male. Have all the hormones, plastic surgery or anything else you choose, but at your own expense. You cannot change your chromosomes, so you will still be the same sex as you were at birth.

Marilyn Ankerson

Spokane Valley