If you wish to use a more appropriate expression, you would say that a shemale is a person who is female-identified, not a man who identifies as a woman. That said, trans sex workers often advertise as "shemale" because this is the sex-industry term for their niche, and it also implies they are pre-operative (i.e., they still have a penis). In this capacity, it is an accepted self-objectification—you may have noticed that other sex workers niche themselves similarly by promoting their race, breast size or age.

Now, for your inquiries: "The first question [about who's attracted to shemales] has been answered to death," says T-Girl club owner Mandy Goodhandy, "but it always comes down to what they think their profile is when realizing their attraction to T-Girls." In other words, Georgina, if you are sexually attracted to T-Girls, it's up to you to label yourself.

Many sex workers travel from city to city—this is not unique to trans sex workers or the general transgender population. "Escorts travel around to make as much money in many locations as quickly as possible," Mandy elaborates. "Regular clients in their home city may get bored quickly with the same escorts over and over again. The travelling escorts are aware of this, so they visit different cities for a limited amount of time. The non-travelling escorts are either in a relationship, have other employment in their home city, are going to an educational facility in their home city or just don't like to travel. There are also the T-Girls who like to meet people in a bar or nightclub setting, for example Goodhandy's in Toronto and Cleopatra's in Montreal. The admirers get to see what the ladies look like in the bar/nightclub setting, and may get to sample the personality and safeness of the lady first. And some T-Girls feel safer in this setting, with lots of watchful eyes looking out for them."

As for the "perfect for first timers" tagline, Mandy says this is a marketing strategy used to attract people who might be nervous about a first time or think that some escorts may not take a client who is new to the T-Girl experience.

While there is a law in the Philippines that allows for corrections on birth records to be made where there are clerical or typographical errors, it explicitly forbids any change in nationality, age or sex. One question: is the name on your friend's birth certificate also male? This might give you a better sense of whether it was a small error or if your friend is trans and is reluctant to tell you.

If your friend is transgendered, unfortunately there is no chance that she can have the sex on her birth certificate changed. As Sass Rogando Sasot, who is a core member of STRAP, the Society for Transsexual Women of the Philippines, writes me, "As of the moment, because of the October 2007 decision of the Supreme Court of the Philippines [in the case of Dr. Mely Silverio] transsexual people cannot change the gender on their birth certificate." Sasot does cite a Supreme Court case from last year where an intersex person had their legal status changed from female to male, though. If you wish to read more about these cases, go to www.pinaytg.wordpress.com and look for the entries listed under "What's In a Supreme Court Decision?"

Regardless, The Rainbow Rights Project (www.rainbowrightsproject.multiply.com) can offer her legal advice and she can also consult STRAP (see www.tsphilippines.com). Providing her with experienced and local support seems the best solution—for both of you.

The one and only bachelorette I hosted took us to the Metro Theatre to watch porn, then ended up back at my house playing Truth or Dare, which then turned into Bang the Brides-to-Be. Is this what you're looking for? I'm going to guess not.

I polled some friends and actually got some great feedback—mostly from queer people, I just have to point out. Megan and Abi had these suggestions: "Have Daniel et Daniel cater a picnic at the clothing-optional beach at Hanlan's Point, then rent the Revue Cinema on Roncesvalles (www.revuecinema.ca) and show vintage porn. Team of masseuses and sparkling wine, Hooters and a ballgame and cowboy/girl strippers at the Dakota." Trixie had this to add: "Party bus with karaoke, booze and a stop at Caesars in Scarborough (www.toronto.com/adult/listing/373038) with those terrifying greased-up male strippers." And Karinne said, "El Convento Rico of course!" (www.elconventorico.com)