Sharon Davis - A Finer Specimen of Womanhood: A Transsexual...

1985, English, Sharon Davis,

Full title: "A Finer Specimen of Womanhood: A Transsexual Speaks" by Sharon Davis. The book is an autobiographical memoir by Sharon Davis, published in 1985. It is the first ever published memoir by a transgender woman of colour.

"Born in Delaware in 1956, Sharon Davis underwent her sex-change operation in 1980. Today she is a successful model and lectures professionally on the transsexual experience, helping other transsexuals through her own experiences and trying to bring a better understanding of gender-dissatisfaction problems to everyone."

"Who Am I? I was born in Wilmington, Delaware. It is a very small state compared to others. My state barely made it on the maps until the Du Ponts became well-known for their products. During the year 1956, I was lucky to become the fourth member in my large family of nine. I have two sisters, one who is one year younger than I and another that is five years younger. My six brothers range in age from nineteen to thirty. with three older ones ahead of me and three younger ones following me."

"At this writing, I am twenty-six years old and into my third completed year of post-op surgery. I knew my life would be a different one from the others in my family because I always enjoyed wearing female clothing and going out dressed as a woman at every opportunity. I've always felt that I am a child of God, and he knows more about me than anyone else. Even as time let me grow older, I remember the year clearly when I traded my little fire truck for the doll of the girl around the corner.

My life hasn't been easy while trying to be myself. I was a special person, and others stood ready daily, trying to challenge or change my reassuring feminine ways and desires. Due to many people's lack of knowledge about transsexuals, I wanted to share my story to help others. Although it has cost me a lot mentally and psychologically, I refuse to become a follower."

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