In the words of our founder, Merissa Sherrill Lynn, "The cross-dressing and transsexual phenomena have been an integral part of the human experience as long as there has been a human experience. These phenomena have manifested themselves in every walk of life throughout history, and continue to affect the lives of vast numbers of people. Yet, as common as they are, ignorance of them, and the resulting intolerance and fear, cost good people their happiness, their jobs, their families, and their lives. It costs society its neighbors, its friends, and its productive citizens. The International Foundation for Gender Education is dedicated to overcoming this devastating ignorance." From this initial statement IFGE grew from an idea to a reality. We have provided education, outreach, and information to thousands of people who have struggled with their own gender identity, as well as their families, doctors, lawyers, therapists, the media, and the general public. Our goal is to eliminate the continued discrimination towards these people.