BLOOM, AMY (2002) NORMAL (NEW YORK: RANDOM HOUSE) 139 PAGES

Bloom gives an intimate look at those who are not stereotypical heterosexual females and males. Much of what is said is up-close participant observation variety rather than cross sectional analysis.

GAYS Generally, they become aware during their teen years that they do not feel the same way about the other sex as their same sex peers feels. They wander into a third sex. They do not want to be the other sex by surgery, rather prefer their own bodies. They feel more comfortable around other gay people. Changing their orientation is generally not useful. If they do become straight, they generally become celibate for a life time. BISEXUALITY is generally placed into this same category. However, they may marry and live in a celibate marriage. Recent surveys indicate that there has been a pronounced change in the way that America views these two groups. Prominent conservative politicians have gay relatives who have come out of the closet.

TRANSGENDER want to be able to choose their sex or remain as they are. They would like to have surgery only if it helps the individual so that they can urinate and eliminate.
Further, surgery should be done at a later date when the individual can make the choice. Transgender enjoy being with each other and or a mate of their choice.

TRANSVESTITES are more likely to be male who are heterosexual. Females have numerous opportunities in their sex role to dress almost any way that they want. However, men are much more restrained. Cross-dressing males do not seem to have the orientation as a transgender male seeking to be female. It is almost as if these males want themselves to be what a number of men seeing women. They objectify themselves, but are not likely to seek out other areas that are of interest to women because of nature, nurture, or both. Transvestites are interested in mingling with straight females and other transvestites.

The author also notes that although there are indeed biological variances between and among the sexes. We are continually becoming more alike.