A Change of Sex

24-year-old George Roberts feels that he is a woman, and he wants to have sex reassignment surgery. Before the National Health Service will approve the surgical procedures, they refer him to a psychiatrist in the Gender Identity Clinic at Charing Cross Hospital. The psychiatrist tells George that he must first live as a woman for one year. George throws away his men's clothing, informs his employer, and (per the hospital's requirements) finds a new flat nearer to the clinic.

It is now 1994, and the years since Julia Grant’s gender reassignment surgery have been full of surprises and problems. Julia had thought the operation would mean the end of her problems. It did not. Her love affair ended, the surgery went wrong and she was hounded by the press. As a consequence she submerged herself in drink, drugs and the seamy side of life in Amsterdam. But Julia is a fighter and although "the memories still seep in like the damp", she started over again.

It is 1998, and the problems of the years following Julia Grant's transition finally seem over. Julia is living in a new city with a new job and her confidence has grown with love in the air. Julia had thought the operation would mean the end of her problems. It did not. Her love affair ended, the surgery went wrong and she was hounded by the press. As a consequence she submerged herself in drink, drugs and the seamy side of life in Amsterdam. But Julia is a fighter and although "the memories still seep in like the damp", she started over again.