Friends call her "May", a popular Arab name. For 30 years she has lived as a man. Now, with the help of lawyer Fawziya Janahi she is in court seeking legal permission to change her sex.

"I'm not a homosexual and wouldn't change my gender for sex. I just want the world to see me as a woman which is what I am," May told IPS in an interview.

"I chained my inner feelings for so many years, to make my family happy. Now it is my turn to enjoy and live life to the fullest by changing my sex."

May, who wishes to be written about as a woman, says her family, particularly her mother, is opposed to the idea. "I will go ahead with the legal case in pursuit of my happiness," she adds.

Confiding that she has already begun hormone treatment in preparation for the surgery, which will be done outside Bahrain as soon as the court gives sanction, she says: "I hope one day I will be happily married to a man who would accept me as a complete woman."

Months back she started wearing female garments as part of the psychological therapy for adjusting to the new life. "I feel comfortable wearing women's clothes and being with females."

May works with a private company, and would like to continue working. She says she is aware that Bahraini men are more privileged than women, but she cannot remain a man.

May plans to wear the hijab (veil) after the operation. It is an Islamic obligation for women, she believes.