Misery Loves Company ver.2 is a raw and unflinching exploration of transgender life on the margins, offering an updated, 100-page re-release of Christine Beatty's 1993 semi-autobiographical collection. With poignantly vivid and sometimes brutal short stories and poetry, Beatty invites readers on a perky yet suicidal plunge into her transsexual transition in mid-1980s San Francisco.
Set against the backdrop of the city's infamous Tenderloin district, the book provides a rare glimpse into a world few ever see. Beatty pulls back the curtain on the harsh realities of prostitution, spiraling addiction, and borderline insanity while weaving in moments of self-awareness and shocking discoveries. The journey is harrowing but ultimately transformative, as she begins to find redemption amidst the chaos.
This new edition is further enriched with evocative illustrations by trans surrealist artist Nola Van Della and striking photographs from the very streets where Beatty’s experiences unfolded. As revealed in her interview with Monika Kowalska, Beatty’s storytelling is deeply personal yet universally resonant, capturing the triumph of survival against all odds.
Christine Beatty is a trailblazing American writer, musician, and transgender activist whose impact spans across music, literature, and advocacy. She made history as one of the first trans women to perform and record as a heavy metal musician, breaking barriers in an industry long dominated by cisgender men. Her fearless artistry and unapologetic presence paved the way for greater transgender visibility in rock music.
Beyond her musical achievements, Beatty is a prolific writer whose work has been featured in esteemed publications such as Spectator Magazine, Transgender Tapestry, and the Bay Area Reporter. In 1993, she released Misery Loves Company, a semi-autobiographical collection of short stories and poetry that provides a raw and poignant glimpse into the struggles and resilience of transgender individuals and other marginalized members of San Francisco’s underground community.
As a co-founder and frontwoman of Glamazon, one of the first trans-fronted heavy metal bands, Beatty shattered stereotypes and redefined what it meant to be a transgender woman in the music scene. Her influence extends far beyond the stage, she has used journalism and public speaking to champion the rights of the transgender and LGBTQ+ communities. Her activism has taken her to the heart of political discourse, where she testified before the San Francisco Board of Supervisors on transgender issues and served on the San Francisco Task Force on Prostitution, advocating for the rights and dignity of sex workers. In December 1991, Beatty took a crucial step toward community empowerment by founding San Francisco Gender Information, a pioneering resource database for transgender individuals seeking support, healthcare, and guidance. Through her music, writing, and activism, Christine Beatty has cemented her legacy as a fearless advocate and an icon of resilience, defiance, and self-expression.
Available via Amazon
Photo via The Heroines of My Life
Other publications about Christine Beatty:
Interview with Christine Beatty
Christine Beatty is an American writer, senior software engineer, musician, and transgender activist. Born in San Mateo, California, she has made significant...
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