Daliah Husu’s memoir, I Am Woman: Surviving the Past, the Present, and the Future, is a raw, emotionally charged exploration of identity, resilience, and the quest for self-actualization. In this compelling work, Husu recounts her life with an honesty and authority that demands attention, inviting readers into the intimate spaces of her journey as a trans woman.
From her early childhood in the dangerous slums of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, she narrates the stark realities of growing up without a father and with a mother who was often absent, leaving her in the care of her grandmother. These formative years were shaped by fear, poverty, and uncertainty, yet they also laid the groundwork for a determination to survive and thrive against all odds.
Husu’s story is not just a personal chronicle but a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, demonstrating how hope and dreams can illuminate even the darkest moments of life. Her memoir continues into her adolescence and young adulthood, where the narrative becomes a vivid portrayal of the complexities of gender identity, desire, and survival. Husu shares her experience of navigating a world that often judged and marginalized her, including her struggles with alcohol and drug use, her time in sex work, and her intense longing for love and acceptance. These experiences, though painful, are presented with remarkable clarity and honesty, allowing readers to understand both the struggles and triumphs of a trans woman finding her place in society.
The book emphasizes that even amidst loneliness and suffering, the pursuit of personal freedom, acceptance, and love remains a guiding force. Husu’s narrative challenges societal perceptions of trans women, presenting a multifaceted and deeply human portrait of her life. Critics have praised I Am Woman for its literary quality and emotional impact. Viga Boland, author of No Tears For My Father, commented that Husu “delivers her true story the way a good fiction writer can keep us turning the pages,” while Cheryl B. Evans awarded the book a full five stars, highlighting its honesty and depth. Cornell F. Woodson of Ithaca College has even adopted the memoir for an “Intro to Queer Studies” course, emphasizing how Husu’s use of imagery and emotional resonance engages readers and students alike.
The book is recognized not only as a memoir but as a bridge toward greater understanding and empathy for the transgender community. Husu’s own reflections on the writing process reveal how I Am Woman emerged from a period of personal crisis. Having lost her job as a showgirl and MC in Fort Lauderdale, she confronted feelings of disorientation and fear, searching for purpose through meditation, prayer, and self-reflection. Over the course of a year, she realized that her calling was to help others by sharing her story. This realization became the foundation of her memoir, which she approached with a promise of complete honesty, portraying both the glamorous and the painful aspects of her life. Husu’s commitment to authenticity ensures that her triumphs are understood within the context of her struggles, reinforcing the book’s central message that personal growth is inseparable from overcoming adversity.
The interview with Daliah Husu for The Heroines of My Life illuminates many of the themes present in her memoir. Husu describes her artistic inclinations from a young age, including visual arts, music, and performance, and explains how writing became the most fitting outlet for her emotional and creative expression. She speaks candidly about her experiences with gender dysphoria, her eventual transition at age 27, and the challenges she faced in seeking acceptance and love. Husu also reflects on the importance of community and support networks, emphasizing that surrounding oneself with understanding friends and other trans women can make the journey toward self-acceptance more navigable.
Her insights extend to broader societal issues, including the representation of transgender people in media and politics, the value of beauty pageants, and the role of love as both a guiding force and a source of motivation. Husu’s dedication to advocacy is evident in her ongoing work participating in LGBT exhibits, fundraisers, and translating her memoir into Spanish to reach the Latin community that shaped her. In the interview, she underscores that identity, purpose, and resilience are more meaningful than external validation, and she admires not only public figures like Janet Mock and Laverne Cox but also everyday trans women who live authentically without seeking applause.
Ultimately, I Am Woman: Surviving the Past, the Present, and the Future is both an intimate memoir and a guidepost for empathy and understanding. It reminds readers that even in moments of fear, hardship, or isolation, hope and determination can guide us toward freedom, self-expression, and love. Daliah Husu’s story is an invitation to witness the life of a trans woman who refuses to be silenced, embracing every aspect of her identity while encouraging others to do the same. The memoir is a celebration of resilience, courage, and authenticity, offering both inspiration and a deeper awareness of the lived realities of transgender women.
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Photo via The Heroines of My Life
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