Hi.

You might be thinking of 'Metamorphosis'. In that story, Kafka was a cockroach ( as opposed to a slug ).

Concerning the issue of gender. There is mounting scientific evidence to suggest that gender and sexual orientation ( two *completely* unrelated topics ) are hard-wired in the brain. Neither of them is a 'life style' or a choice. When I worked in a psychology lab, I was privileged to interact with several transgendered individuals and I was deeply impressed with their intelligence and depth of insight. It is thought that since *many* of them possess a larger, more integrated corpus callosum ( the central nerve bundle that connects the left and right hemispheres of the brain ) they are able to process information in a simultaneous dual sense ( emotionally and logically ). Viewing them as a 'circus freak' or 'side show exhibit' not only ignores the phenomenal contributions these individuals are capable of making, it reveals a staggering level of ignorance. In traditional Navajo culture, transgendered individuals ( referred to as 'Two Spirit' people ) have been revered for centuries. They are privileged members of the tribe ( permitted to conduct religious and funeral rituals, etc. ). In many aspects, Western culture has always displayed a level of ignorance / intolerance for things they were taught to fear. How many gifted individuals have taken their own lives when confronted with such bigotry?

-Katie.