Armistead Maupin’s ninth “Tales of the City” novel — three became a Laura Linney and Olympia Dukakis miniseries — is out soon. Title: “The Days of Anna Madrigal.”

Madrigal’s a transgender. Maupin has a husband. About influencing our attitude toward sexuality, he says: “Yes, I did. I’m an activist. Politicians filed suits and petitioned Congress. I was into our hearts and minds.

“We own our Santa Fe house at the end of a dirt road. Since 1976 I’ve lived with these characters who talk to one another and percolate in my mind after I give them a situation. I’ve taught myself to write 800 words a day. This book took two years. It’s my final work on this series.

“I’m 70 now. I want another venture. Maybe a memoir. Maybe a one-man show. Anna Madrigal is now 92. I knew I couldn’t take her longer.

“Last year I went on a road trip. To a lonely stretch outside Winnemucca, Nev., where the 16-year-old boy she once was escaped from that whorehouse she called home. It was six cabins. The brothel’s gone. And I imagined how it was to be a transgender boy growing up there without friends.

“They used Lysol, meant to clean floors, for a feminine hygiene spermicide. At an old restaurant in town, a guy showed me a piece of their old embossed wallpaper. Male and female organs were worked into the paper.”

About Cher’s daughter-turned-son and Warren Beatty and Annette Bening’s transgender son Stephen, Armistead said: “I’ve watched both with admiration. They’re self-possessed. Articulate. And damn lucky to have such parents.”

So what are you called for short — Army?

“No. Armistead. I’m very proud of the name.”

Armistead Maupin is doing two book-signings in February.

Tidbits

The “Spider-Man” costume stuffed into by Reeve Carney, the original B’way Peter Parker, off to the Smithsonian . . . April 9 Doyle’s auctions April 11, 1778’s one-page George Washington letter to Valley Forge headquarters’ Brigadier General John Lacey. It’s signed “Go. Washington.” Could be yours for $100,000 . . . Speaking of things ancient, Jan. 23 opens the 69th Winter Antiques Show, Park Avenue Armory.

Getting desperate

Unemployment is causing new businesses to emerge. Like: “Fruit of the Tomb” designer underwear for corpses. “Digital Panty Hose” — with call waiting. For obscene phone callers in a hurry, a “Speed Breathing School.”

Update from Philippines

Imelda Marcos’ ex-aide just got convicted for fraud. This rarely troubles Filipinas. Imelda’s now in the House of Representatives, despite one-time financial Alzheimer’s (forgetting where she mislaid millions of dollars). Recently in Manila, Time magazine’s Norman Pearlstine reports her senator son Ferdinand will run for president in 2016.

Another P.S. on New Jersey’s Gov. Chunky’s flunkies. Port Authority czar David Samson was his personal adviser and trusted choice to oversee security for the state’s most important access road, the GWB.

Samson chose the company of his longtime Jersey pal in a — per the 11/28/11 NY Post — “$300,000 no bid contract” to review “security at the Port Authority’s tunnels, bridges and airports . . . chairman David Samson is making security a focus.” Christie’s appointee called “improving security at the Port Authority’s facilities . . . top priority.”

This $300,000 no-bid contract was extended a second time.

Then June 11, 2012, The Record: “The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey will pay this firm an additional $650,000 to restructure its security operation . . . including hiring its first chief security officer. A search is under way to create a security department.”

Sept. 11. 2013. Might Samson’s focus on security maybe include blocking two lanes and making exit and egress to and from buddy Chunky’s state inaccessible?

Only in New Jersey, kids, only in New Jersey.