I DON'T think anybody was really surprised that a transsexual sought asylum in Australia. If she feels she will not be discriminated there, then so be it. Our country may appear modern and progressive, but of late there have been too many instances to the contrary.
We tend to react defensively whenever we come across something different from the norm. In the case of transsexuals, we prefer to deny that they exist. Can you blame others for perceiving that we are not progressive?
For too long and in too many cases, we have said one thing but done the opposite. Transsesuals are human beings, too, and deserve to be treated with respect and dignity. Transsexuals have been around for generations and we shouldn't sweep them under the carpet.
Everyone has a right to a normal life and and an opportunity to earn a living. The New Economic Model talks about "inclusiveness", but does this extend to those who fall outside the parameters of set categories and accepted genders?
We need to move forward by embracing this issue and handling it humanely. It is not right for certain groups to define the norm and expect others to accept it no matter what. When societies veer towards the extreme, repercussions will be severe.
SANDRA RAJOO
Ipoh
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