Rainbow guru: Are transgender people born with both genitals?

Dear Sushant,
Are transgender people born with both genitals? I feel a bit weird in their company. I have a friend who was a boy first and now says he is a girl. I have grown up with him and he never had such tendencies then. We played cricket together and were in the same football team in school. What should I do to reduce my discomfort around him?
– Mr I Want to be Better Butter

Hello there Better Butter,

I understand that you might not be aware of the various dimensions of orientation, sexuality and gender and that’s absolutely okay. But why are you uncomfortable with someone you have grown up with?

Your friend is now a transwoman and she identifies herself as such but that doesn’t change her friendship with you and it shouldn’t affect your attitude towards her. 

It might be a bit of a trouble at first, but try understanding her by talking to her and being there for her as a friend.

Once you understand what she has had to go through trying to just be comfortable in her own skin, your problems (of being uncomfortable around her) will look absolutely minuscule and I’m sure your friendship with her will blossom and retain its original glory.

Mr Gay India 2014, Sushant Divgikar is your counsellor, guide and conscience through the waters of sexuality. Write to him at sexualitydna@gmail.com