"Passing Cars is a compilation of essays reflecting on pivotal moments in our lives. The main author, Marissa Alexa McCool, uses her experiences as a neurodivergent and transgender person, but collaborates with various people across all spectrums for additional perspectives and stories."
In 2017, I interviewed Marissa and this is what she told me about this book: "It’s not just reflecting on those pivotal moments, but it’s also comparing the thoughts I was having at the time against what they are now. For instance, the struggles I had as a teenager make a lot more sense when viewed through the lens of trying to discover my gender identity and being untreated for autism, but I didn’t know that at the time, so it came out as being rebellious and unwilling to cooperate with others. I also had a great variety of contributing writers talk about some of their own pivotal moments, thus giving various different perspectives to this idea. The chapters/pieces are arranged according to the five stages of grief, and that was a suggestion/decision made by my publisher, Wyrmwood Publishing. They’ve worked with me in some capacity for all the five of my books I’ve published since coming out, and I couldn’t be more grateful."
Marissa Alexa McCool is a podcaster, author, performer, and speaker. She identifies as a trans woman and is married, partnered, and a parent.
Born in Akron, Ohio, she currently resides in Saint Paul, Minnesota with her family. Marissa graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in 2017, holding degrees in English, Cinema and Media Studies, and Anthropology. She also studied theatre, Shakespeare, and communication theory. Within the atheist community, Marissa has spoken at various events, including Lehigh Valley Humanists, Minnesota Atheists, Skepticon 10, and NaNoCon 3. Her journey as a trans woman began in 2016 when she came out while attending the University of Pennsylvania. She boldly confronted a hate preacher, followed by the release of her post-election book titled “The PC Lie: How American Voters Decided I Don’t Matter”.Marissa has authored several books, including “False Start”, which featured contributions from other writers, and “Voice in the Dark”, which included a foreword from Dan Arel. In February 2016, Marissa started the Inciting Incident Podcast, featuring prominent atheist voices and intimate interviews. She co-hosts “The Cis Are Getting Out of Hand” podcast with Ari Stillman, addressing trans-specific issues with humor and skits. Marissa was the first trans person to appear in the 17-year history of the UPenn production of Eve Ensler’s “The Vagina Monologues”.
She co-founded The Trans Podcaster Visibility Initiative with Callie Wright in 2017.
Marissa combines her theatrical background with her fiery passion for atheism, humanist values, and intersectionality.
Her goal is to speak out, speak loudly, and bring visibility to LGBT issues and secular values.
Marissa Alexa McCool’s journey exemplifies resilience, activism, and the power of authentic storytelling.
Available via Amazon
Photo via The Heroines of My Life
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