I am a transsexual woman.

My entire life was a collection of dangerous and self destructive behavior,

motivated by societal imposed guilt and self hatred. Dr. Nubel systematically argued

logic and compassion, until the very roots of my self hatred had withered and died.

She did not wave a wand and cure me, although I do credit her with saving my life. I

will attempt to explain. Any life I might have lived without her intervention would

have surely been a denial of my own reality, and a victory for those who preach

hatred. Any life I might have lived would have been a form of acceptance that I had

no right to exist.  Dr. Nubel quite simply argued that I possessed that right.   

I have exercised my right to live. As a human being, I have been filled with new

purpose and fulfilled my potential. I have grown more in the last ten years than the

previous forty. Make no mistake - as a woman, and as a transgender woman - I have

confronted barriers and opposition. I have been subjected to prejudice and

discrimination, poverty and loneliness that I had never experienced previously. ?but

I did not allow these barriers or this ignorance to defeat or deter me. I have faced

the world openly and honestly and without pretense. The resulting experience has

enabled me to appreciate the struggles and lives of others more fully. I have been

enriched with a higher sense of right and wrong, and a connection to all of

humanity.  I now attempt to be a constructive member of that humanity, rather than

seek ways to escape it. Now that I am alive, I wish only to continue that life. I

want to make the world a better place to live - and I understand that this begins

with me. I want to be better. I want to be my best?and I know this would not be,

except for Dr. Nubel.

This woman, Dr. Aviva Sinvany-Nubel, is much more than a therapist. She is a friend.

She is a pioneer in the struggle for human rights on behalf of the entire LGBTI

community. She has never pursued recognition for her efforts; in truth she was much

more concerned for the welfare of her patients and for the members of our collected

community than pursuit of accolade. She is not motivated by any form of politics

other than those of reason and compassion. It is my opinion, and that of innumerable

others, that Dr. Nubel was, and is, an excellent and compassionate therapist, nurse,

and counselor. Any organization, individual, or family requiring assistance would be

fortunate to receive the services that she provides. 

If you have any questions, or if I may assist you in any way, please do not hesitate

to contact me. Should it be required, I will willingly provide impeccable references

to attest for my reliability, my character, and my good standing within the

community.   

Respectfully Submitted,

Jeri Hughes 

2137 R Street NW

Washington,   DC    20008

home 202-462-4294

cell    732-580-5921