Caisie Breen Casey - Songbyrd: Becoming She

2016, Caisie Breen, English, Interview,

Full title: "Songbyrd: Becoming She" by Caisie Breen.

 

Caisie Breen’s memoir, Songbyrd: Becoming She (2016), is a compelling exploration of identity, transformation, and the power of music as a lifelong companion. Born William Edward Casey, Caisie navigated a life of contradictions, struggling with gender identity while occupying spaces that demanded conformity. From early childhood, she developed a keen taste for music, which became both a refuge and a source of joy amidst the bullying and judgment that marked her youth. Adolescence brought its own challenges, as Caisie sought to suppress feminine traits to fit societal expectations. 

 

Her journey was further complicated by her involvement in politics as a leader in the Christian Right, a role that often conflicted with her internal truth. These years were marked by a tension between public persona and private identity, a tension that many transgender individuals experience, especially when societal pressures amplify feelings of alienation. It wasn’t until later in life that Caisie began to let down her defenses and embrace her authentic self, discovering She in a profound personal awakening.

 

In her fifties, Caisie faced an unexpected turning point when she underwent emergency open-heart surgery. The experience profoundly altered her perception of the world. Senses that had once felt ordinary, hearing, sight, touch, and emotional sensitivity, became magnified to levels she could hardly explain. A lifelong lover of music, she found herself compelled to collect songs in an endless quest for auditory satisfaction. Music, which had once been a solace, now became a vital force in her self-discovery and expression. Coming out later in life brought its own set of challenges. Having lived for fifty-five years as William Edward Casey, Caisie faced a steep emotional journey toward fully embracing her identity in public.

 

Her memoir chronicles the painstaking process of becoming her authentic self while managing societal expectations and personal relationships. Questions of acceptance, self-compassion, and freedom recur throughout her narrative: would she ever truly find peace in living as herself? Caisie’s personal life offers an additional layer to her story. Her first marriage ended when she was 21, leaving her with two daughters, Michelle and Nicole. A year later, she met Brenda Sweet, the love of her life, with whom she had two sons, Ryan and Brandon. Today, Caisie lives openly as a transgender woman with Brenda in Portland, Oregon, where they run a small plumbing and electrical service company. All four children are adults, and her family has remained a steadfast source of support throughout her transition.

 

In her interview for The Heroines of My Life, Caisie reflected candidly on her journey. She described how writing her memoir was both therapeutic and empowering, allowing her to process experiences that had long remained unarticulated. She spoke about the “Do I pass?” phase of transition, emphasizing that confidence and authenticity grow from practice and self-acceptance rather than external approval. She also acknowledged the impact of her transition on her loved ones, noting the importance of patience, empathy, and open communication with those navigating their own grief over the person she once was. Caisie credited the support of her wife Brenda as pivotal to her successful transition, noting that no amount of external guidance could replace the love and encouragement provided by a partner who truly believes in you. She also discussed mentorship and inspiration from other transgender figures, including Christine Jorgensen and Jenny Boylan, whose courage and guidance influenced her path.

 

Beyond personal growth, Caisie reflected on broader societal questions. She affirmed that transgender women can have a meaningful impact, even in politics, and highlighted the importance of authentic representation in media. On a lighter note, she expressed her enjoyment of fashion as a form of personal expression rather than a pursuit of trends, and her enthusiastic support for transgender beauty pageants, seeing them as empowering spaces that celebrate individuality. Caisie’s memoir is as much about resilience as it is about transformation. From the struggles of youth to political and personal challenges, from the awakening brought on by a near-death experience to the steady work of living authentically, Songbyrd: Becoming She tells a story of courage, love, and the redemptive power of music. It offers hope and guidance for transgender individuals navigating the complexities of identity, relationships, and self-acceptance, particularly for those who come out later in life. 

 

For anyone interested in a memoir that blends raw honesty with reflection, creativity, and a deep love for music, Songbyrd: Becoming She stands as a testament to the enduring human spirit and the transformative journey toward selfhood.

Available via Amazon

and The Heroines of My Life

 

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