LA PERSONA DE LEO N.

As a 12-year old boy Nicola De Leo knew that he wanted to be a woman. Now aged 40, Nicola lives in Veniceand has changed his name to Nicole. As a result of hormone treatments Nicole has been able to grow breasts but still feels trapped inside a man's body. This is why the person De Leo N. has decided to apply for a sex change operation.

Since 1982 Italian law has enabled transsexuals to gain financial assistance from the state to get a sex change. It is however a complex, slow, and psychologically painful process. Individuals are subjected to gruelling examinations and psychological tests and then forced to wait two years before the procedure can go ahead in order to test their commitment to the process.  

Director Alberto Vendemmiati follows Nicole during the life-changing period leading up to her sex change. He reveals a life full of masquerade and performance. One of the biggest challenges for Nicole is to deal with her mother who is having a hard time accepting that her son is soon to become a daughter. After the operation though Nicole is relieved. "Now I have a future", she says.