The memoir of a life that triumphed over the poverty of Appalachia Virginia to perform in major American opera houses; then suffered professional loss and humiliation after coming to grips with life-long Gender Dysphoria (transsexualism). Abandoned to an orphanage having already survived poverty, parental alcoholism, and childhood sexual abuse, I managed by intellect, hard work, and luck to break away -- first into the world of academia, then on to the glamour of opera, climbing the ladder towards oft-predicted fame. My career began to unravel as I struggled to be me. Without financial or emotional support, I did as women in our world have through-out time, turned to the "oldest profession." I worked as a transsexual escort; selling my body to survive in our nation's capitol, Washington, DC. Here you will find my journey - from lost child, through semi-successful masquerade as a professional performer, and finally to the empowered woman I am today.