In France, Transsexuals Celebrate a Small Victory

time.com – Ian Langsdon

Several decades have passed since the West stopped considering homosexuality a mental illness. But for transsexuals, that kind of milestone has been elusive – until now. Last month, France became the first country in the world to remove transsexualism from its official list of mental disorders – a major victory when it comes to acceptance of this oft misunderstood condition. “I’m relieved. People might begin to look at us differently,” says transsexual blogger Caphi (a blended name she’s chosen to represent Philippe, the man she was born as, and Caroline, the woman she’s transforming into). “It’s a start.”