The world as a whole may have come around somewhat to the idea that their exist a whole spectrum of sexualities from heterosexual to homosexual and beyond. In Africa, a continent who's societies on the whole are still very traditional, such ideas are only now starting to be raised as an entirely new generation is beginning to live their lives free of any past traditional constraints. Morine is one of Nairobi's few transgenders belonging to a small and exclusive group that did not even exist until recently. As a transgender Morine has made the conscious choice not only to accept her sexuality, but accept it openly in a society where such a choice is still technically illegal. The result is not only a woman who has had to develop a very thick skin, but also one of a woman very much at ease in her own body. Still living in the same community where she grew up, Morine now owns and works in her own hair salon. This has not only gained her a lot of respect among her peers, but has also allowed her to create a much better life for herself and help her move into her own apartment across the road from the slum in which she grew up.

Homosexuality is still illegal in most African countries. Tolerant governments, however, have allowed some gay communities to flourish in some cities. Much more rare are those who identify themselves as transgender. Morine © Tobin Bryce Jones

Morine is still identified by the Kenyan government as a male, though from a very early age has always identified herself as a female. Morine © Tobin Bryce Jones

Although unable to have children herself, Morine still feels the maternal instinct very strongly. Here her nephew watches as she applies makeup, while Morine takes care of him for the day. Morine © Tobin Bryce Jones

Unlike some countries such as India, Kenya has no history of transgenders. As a result everything from how society sees them, to how they identify as a community, is all new territory. Here Morine applies hair removal cream to her face in order to remove facial hair without having to shave. Morine © Tobin Bryce Jones

Having already developed quite the reputation as a hairdresser in Nairobi, women come from all over to get their hair cut at Morine's hair salon. Morine © Tobin Bryce Jones

As the owner of a small hair salon, Morine is able to simply be one of the girls when at work. Morine © Tobin Bryce Jones

The price of beauty can sometimes be painfull - a lesson that Morine knows all too well. Morine © Tobin Bryce Jones

Morine still keeps up a close reationship with her community's resident - many of who remember her as a child. Morine © Tobin Bryce Jones

Despite being largely accepted by her community though, there are of course still people who look down on Morine's lifestyle. Morine © Tobin Bryce Jones