M. Ramirez and A. Partnoy - Happier as a Woman

2019, Alicia Partnoy, English, Martina Giselle Ramirez,

Full title: "Happier as a Woman: Transforming Friendships, Transforming Lives" by Martina Giselle Ramirez and Alicia Partnoy.

"Martina Ramirez first started wearing her mother’s shoes in secret in second grade, when everyone still knew her as Martin. Growing up in a conservative household as an adopted Mexican-American in a racially segregated city, she swore she would not be just another crime or teen pregnancy statistic. She lived up to that promise when Martina was named high school valedictorian, became a tenured professor at a prestigious university, and had a family. It was only then, after she had become established in her life and career, that she was able to finally be her true self."

"Happier as a Woman is not just a story of one woman’s transition. It is a story about relationships – those she fostered with herself, those that were hurt, those that were saved, and those that would not have existed if not for Martina’s desire to be a mentor, to be the change. Martina made it her mission to pave the way for all of those that would come after her – from the women seeking to break through the glass ceiling to fellow victims of emotional abuse – regardless of who they appeared to be on the outside. As though all the emotions she had to bottle up in her youth have become more potent with age, they now tell a compelling journey of acceptance, self-discovery, and self-love. Martina’s story is artfully told through letters, anecdotes, and powerful interviews conducted by and written alongside her renowned co-author, human rights advocate and memoirist Alicia Partnoy."

Martina Giselle Ramirez, Ph.D., is a distinguished academic in the field of biology. She received her B.S. in Biology from Loyola Marymount University in 1981 and her Ph.D. in Biology from the University of California, Santa Cruz in 1990. Professional Appointments: She has held various positions at different institutions, including Loyola Marymount University, East Stroudsburg University, Denison University, Bucknell University, Pomona College, and the University of California, Santa Cruz. As of January 2022, she serves as the Dean of Natural Sciences & Professor of Biology at St. Norbert College. Her research interests include evolutionary biology, conservation genetics, island biology, and arachnology.

Martina Giselle Ramirez is a transgender woman. She came out as trans at Loyola Marymount University and elsewhere in 2010. She has since undergone gender-confirming surgeries. She has also received an LGBTQ+ Mentor Award from LMU’s LGBT Student Services Office in 2016. In addition to her scientific work, she has co-authored a book titled “Happier as a Woman: Transforming Friendships, Transforming Lives” (Cleis Press, 2019)2. This book includes some alumni observations about her transition. She has been open about her journey and has shared her experiences to support and inspire others. Her story is a testament to living authentically and pursuing one’s dreams.

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