Facing the pressures of family conflicts with cultural conflicts superimposed over them, limited economic opportunities, and general racism in American society at large, some minority transgendered turn to alcohol and drug abuse. Many also drift into prostitution, as the Red Light Districts are the only social places they have. And denied mainstream jobs, sex work becomes the most ready way of support. This, of course, makes AIDS issues very prominant. In the audience discussion, it was brought out that our diversity can paralyze us.
Ethnic issues can often cloud overall transgender issues.
Many White transgendered are reluctant to approach other communites, fearful of simmering resentments. They feel they need to ask permission for everything they'd like to do, fearful of stepping on anyone's toes. They also fear that an innocent slip of the tongue or ingrained behavior could stir up a hornet's nest of anger and rejection. Contacts thus tend to be done gingerly and tentatively.