Vera Avalon
Oman
It took only a moment to notice that something was seriously different. Where were the strict codes that normally dominate male-female interactions here in rural Oman? Where was the paralyzing nervousness that the young women usually display when around the male students? I had never seen the girls so free-spirited!
Could the male and female students really be interacting so casually? And this from a place where the girls refuse to present to a co-ed class? Now the women were taking long, confident steps, commanding attention, and unabashedly yelling at …

Alice
Ireland
I am Alice, 36, from County Antrim. I was born male, but I am now living as a woman in everyday life. I have changed my name by deed poll and also on my birth certificate. I am on hormone replacement therapy. I am pleased and proud to have the female hormone.
I like perfume, make-up, shoes, flowery things, jewelry, handbags, and anything that’s feminine. I am into women’s lib. I drive a motorcycle.
I prefer the title Ms., but people in society still call me Sir or Mr., even knowing and …

Houda Ezra Nonoo
Bahrain
Her Excellency Houda Ezra Nonoo is the Ambassador from Bahrain to the USA.
I think I promote peace everywhere I go by smiling at people. It sounds simple, but it’s true.
Until I was 13 or 14 I wanted to be a veterinarian, but I gave that up to work in the family business. This current job is the height of my ambition. No other job could have so much variety. The best part of it is meeting people I would never have met otherwise, from around the world and …