Hormones
Part of the illicit trade at the bars is in illegal female hormones, which transsexuals inject in order to develop female secondary characteristics, i.e., breasts, soft skin, and reduced facial hair. The hormones come primarily from Mexico and are a serious danger for those who use them, since they are designed as boosters for women’s natural hormone production, and are thus much stronger than those in transition should use. In addition, needle sharing, and thus the possibility of getting or spreading AIDS, is also a concern.This article appears in February 18 • 2000.