A random collection of over 1910 books and audiobooks authored by or about my transgender, intersex sisters, and gender-nonconforming persons all over the world. I read some of them, and I was inspired by some of them. I met some of the authors and heroines, some of them are my best friends, and I had the pleasure and honor of interviewing some of them. If you know of any transgender biography that I have not covered yet, please let me know.

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Showing posts with label English. Show all posts
Showing posts with label English. Show all posts

Munroe Bergdorf - Transitional: My Story

Full title: "Transitional: My Story" by Munroe Bergdorf.

"Transitioning is an alignment of the invisible and the physical. It is truth rising to the surface. It is one of the most fundamental aspects of the human condition - a part of our experience as a conscious being, no matter who we are. As time goes on, we all develop as people. We all transition. It's what unites us, not what separates us.
 
In this life-affirming, heartfelt and intimate book, activist and model Munroe Bergdorf shares reflections from her own life to illustrate how transitioning is an essential part of all our lives. Through the story of one woman's extraordinary mission to live with authenticity, Transitional shows us how to heal, how to build a stronger community and how to evolve as a society out of shame and into pride."

Julia James - World's First Transgender Married Couple...

Full title: "World's First Transgender Married Couple "Open"" by Julia James.

"Explore the extraordinary true story of a trailblazing couple who redefined love, marriage, and identity. They were among the last within the LGBT community to feel secure enough to share their lives with the world, a revelation that came years after the LGB individuals had done so.
 
"The World's First Transgender Married Couple" offers an invitation to witness the heartfelt, moving journey of two individuals who transitioned not only in gender but in their outlook on life, love, and commitment. This landmark memoir ventures into the less-discussed facets of transgender identity and applauds the triumph of authentic self-expression in a world still adjusting to change.

Colleen Bellson - And Here I Am

Full title: "And Here I Am: My Seventy Years On A Gender Tightrope" by Colleen Bellson.

"“Gender dysphoria”. “Transgender”. I'm older than both of those terms. You'd think that with nearly eight decades of experience, I'd understand the condition a lot more than I do. If you're looking for answers here, it's best that you not get your hopes up. I gave up on finding the "why" a very long time ago. For me, being "transgender" has been a gift, a curse, a source of both shame and fascination, and - on balance - a great deal of fun.
 
This book has nothing to do with politics, ideology, activism, legal battles, parental rights, or any other issue that's peripheral to the subject of gender self-identity. If you learn something along the way, that's great. But my intent is just to tell my own story."

Nicole Maines - It Gets Better . . . Except When It Gets Worse

Full title: "It Gets Better . . . Except When It Gets Worse: And Other Unsolicited Truths I Wish Someone Had Told Me" by Nicole Maines.

"Nicole Maines knows a little something about “happily ever after”—not just because she’s a self-professed expert in the Disney princess canon, but because she’s lived it. After coming out at an early age, her family had not only to educate themselves, but also those around them as they fought and won a landmark court case in the state of Maine before she graduated high school. She made it into college, got the guy, and finally had The Surgery.
 
She achieved her lifelong goal of becoming an actress when she landed a major role in the CW’s Supergirl, playing television’s very first live-action transgender superhero. Cue sappy music and sunsets, because we’ve got ourselves a happy ending, right? Ha! As if. For the first time, in her own words, Nicole tells the story of her journey from childhood in rural Maine to the spotlights of Hollywood, sharing the lessons she’s learned along the way. With clever wit and unflinching honesty, she tackles some of the most insidious messaging absorbed by queer kids and all young women, from the idea that any one thing can (or should) ever really “fix” you, to wondering what’s wrong with you when things don’t always feel better, and reminding us that, sometimes, a happy ending is only the beginning of the story."

Jennifer Finney Boylan - Cleavage: Men, Women...

Full title: "Cleavage: Men, Women, and the Space Between Us" by Jennifer Finney Boylan.

"What is the difference between men and women? Jennifer Finney Boylan, bestselling author of She's Not There and co-author of Mad Honey with Jodi Picoult, examines the divisions--as well as the common ground--between the genders, and reflects on her own experiences, both difficult and joyful, as a transgender American.
 
Jennifer Finney Boylan's She's Not There was the first bestselling work written by a transgender American. Since its publication twenty years ago, she has become the go-to person for insight into the impact of gender on our lives, from the food we eat to the dreams we dream, both for ourselves and for our children. But Cleavage is more than a deep dive into gender identity; it's also a look at the difference between coming out as trans in 2000--when many people reacted to Boylan's transition with love--and the present era of blowback and fear. How does gender affect our sense of self? Our body image? The passage of time? The friends we lose--and keep?"

Tommy Dorfman - Maybe This Will Save Me

Full title: "Maybe This Will Save Me: A Memoir of Art, Addiction and Transformation" by Tommy Dorfman.

"From filmmaker, writer, producer and actor Tommy Dorfman—currently starring in Broadway's Romeo + Juliet—comes a beautifully written, bracingly original memoir, structured through the profound revelations of a single tarot card reading, chronicling her troubled teen years, the highs and lows of her creative career, and her journey to self-acceptance On a hot summer day, twenty-eight-year-old Tommy Dorfman was enjoying a beautiful outing on a boat. But inside she felt unmoored.
 
After a lifetime of confusion, she’d finally gained clarity around her gender and had begun to transition. But there were still parts of herself she’d locked away, elements of her story that she needed, for the first time, to fully confront. She sought guidance in a tarot deck, using it as a tool to make sense of her life up until that point. Maybe This Will Save Me, Dorfman’s spellbinding debut memoir, is structured through the cards of that tarot pull. The youngest of five children, she grappled with her own identity from an early age and spent her teenage years numbed by drugs and alcohol. At the same time, she harbored dreams of creative stardom and a desire to make herself seen."

Dylan Mulvaney - Paper Doll: Notes from a Late Bloomer

Full title: "Paper Doll: Notes from a Late Bloomer" by Dylan Mulvaney.

"When Dylan Mulvaney came out as a woman online, she was a viral sensation almost overnight, emerging as a trailblazing voice on social media. Dylan’s personal coming-out story blossomed into a platform for advocacy and empowerment for trans people all over the world. Through her “Days of Girlhood” series, she connected with followers by exploring what it means to be a girl, from experimenting with makeup to story times to spilling the tea about laser hair removal, while never shying away from discussing the transphobia she faced online. 

Nevertheless, she was determined to be a beacon of positivity. But shortly after she celebrated day 365 of being a girl, it all came screeching to a halt when an innocuous post sparked a media firestorm and right-wing backlash she couldn’t have expected. Despite the vitriolic press and relentless paparazzi, Dylan was determined to remain loud and proud."

Robyn McCutcheon - Queer Diplomacy

Full title: "Queer Diplomacy: A Transgender Journey in the Foreign Service" by Robyn McCutcheon.

"“This wildly compelling, beautifully written, first-of-its-kind memoir is an incredibly important, useful, and deeply humanizing story about one transgender woman’s unique experience navigating the complex world of foreign affairs and diplomacy. It’s a joy to read.” — Anthony Cotton, international inclusive development professional.

Join Robyn McCutcheon, an out and proud transgender woman, on her journey as a diplomat with the U.S. Department of State. Follow her on travels that took her through the Soviet Union as a historian, to the stars as an engineer in the Hubble Space Telescope project, and onward to Russia, Romania, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan as a Foreign Service Officer representing her country on everything from human rights to nuclear arms control. Find out what it was like to transition gender while serving full-time overseas and to become an icon to the LGBTQIA+ communities in Romania and in Central Asia."

Richard von Krafft-Ebing - Psychopathia sexualismus

"Psychopathia sexualismus" is the English language version of "Psychopathia sexualismus" published in 1886 by Richard von Krafft-Ebing.

Psychopathia Sexualis, written by Richard Freiherr von Krafft-Ebing in 1886, is a pioneering work in the field of sexual pathology. This clinical-forensic study delves into a wide range of paraphilias and specifically focuses on male homosexuality and bisexuality - referred to as the “antipathetic sexual instinct” in the subtitle. 

Crossdressing in the modern sense appeared with Karl Heinrich Ulrich as early as 1868, and Carl Westphal used the term "contrary sexual feeling" in 1870, although not yet differentiated from so-called uranism. Richard von Krafft-Ebing then published the first edition of "Psychopathia sexualismus" in 1886, which went through 17 editions. There he uses the term “Metamorphosis sexualis paranoica” (sex change madness).

Brenda Bradford Ward - Forty Years to Live

Full title: "Forty Years to Live" by Brenda Bradford Ward.

"Discover the captivating journey of self-discovery and resilience in "FORTY YEARS to LIFE" by Brenda Bradford Ward. In this compelling narrative, Ward paints a vivid picture of a life lived in secrecy, offering readers a rare glimpse into the struggles faced by individuals navigating gender identity conflicts. Society's response to such conflicts often swings between permissiveness and suppression, yet true understanding remains elusive. Ward skillfully delves into this complex issue, shedding light on the challenges faced by those grappling with their true identity amidst societal pressures.

With meticulous research and heartfelt storytelling, "FORTY YEARS to LIFE" invites readers to confront the age-old questions surrounding gender identity. As Ward explores the history and intricacies of this deeply personal journey, she prompts us to reflect on how best to support and empower individuals facing similar challenges. Engaging, thought-provoking, and deeply compassionate, "FORTY YEARS to LIFE" is a must-read for anyone seeking insight into the human experience and the quest for authenticity. Join Brenda Bradford Ward on a transformative odyssey towards understanding, acceptance, and ultimately, liberation."

El Rudolph - Dr. Jeanne Hoff's Unwavering Fight for...

Full title: "Dr. Jeanne Hoff's Unwavering Fight for Acceptance and Equality for Transgender Individuals: Beyond the Binary" by El Rudolph.

"In a world struggling to grasp gender beyond the binary, Dr. Jeanne Hoff ignited a revolution. This inspiring biography chronicles her pioneering research, shattering the silence on gender dysphoria and paving the way for compassionate healthcare for transgender individuals. Witness her tireless advocacy, challenging discrimination and championing legal recognition for all.

Through insightful research, personal stories, and Jeanne's own unwavering voice, this book illuminates the ongoing fight for equality while offering a roadmap for a future where everyone can live authentically. Join this inspiring journey and discover the enduring legacy of a woman who dared to see the world with empathy and courage, lighting the way for a more inclusive future."

Robyn Casias - Gender Queer

Full title: "Gender Queer: As the Carousel Turns "Gender War"" by Robyn Casias (Skyler Lott).

This is the first part of a 4-episode series that tells the stories about "how my expression of Meili slowly diminished trying to dress in girls’ clothes. No one could understand the gender expressions coming from Meili’s flower power version of her Rainbow. The best that I could do is take the psychedelic express train to Alice in Genderland where I could sing, but not be heard."

"As the Carousel Turns “GENDER WAR” is a novella series that progresses my journey through a spiritual, social, legal, and physical transformation from being born biologically male to my identified gender as female. “I AM MEILI” is the first of two Episodes in “GENDER QUEER. Meili characterizes a female persona from my earliest childhood memories. As my journey unfolds “Manly” is introduced. Manly is my made-up male persona, the persona I predominantly portrayed throughout my adolescence and adulthood."

Stephanie Burt - We Are Mermaids: Poems

Full title: "We Are Mermaids: Poems" by Stephanie Burt.

"Stephanie Burt’s poems in We Are Mermaids are never just one thing. Instead, they revel in their multiplicity, their interconnectedness, their secret powers to become much more than they at first seem. In these poems, punctuation marks make arguments for their utility and their rights to exist. Frozen isn’t simply another Disney animated musical but “the Most Trans Movie Ever.” Mermaids, werewolves, and superheroes don’t just fret over divided natures and secret identities, but celebrate their wholeness, their unique abilities, and their erotic potential. Flowers in this collection bloom into exactly what they are meant to be―revealing themselves, like bleeding hearts, beyond their given names.

With humor and insight, Burt’s poems have always cherished and examined the things of this world, both real and imagined objects of fascination and desire. In this resplendent new collection, her observation and care flourish into her most fulfilled book yet. These poems shake off indecisiveness and doubt to reach joys through romance and family, through nature (urban and otherwise), and through imaginative community. We Are Mermaids is a trans book, a fangirl book, a book about coming together. It’s also Burt’s best book."

Ella Marques - Eva's World: A Real Woman’s Life

Full title: "Eva's World: A Real Woman’s Life" by Ella Marques.

This is the third book by Ella Marques. "I was born a boy, from Venus: It's time to be yourself" (2017) was the first autobiography of Ella Marques. In 2020, she published her second book: "Coming Home to Venus: The story of a woman transitioning to her real self".

"Eva’s World is the story of a transgender pansexual hard-working woman that travels the world for business and pleasure. She and her three friends Linda, Olympia and Victoria come together regularly, talk about their lives, their loves and their expectations. Two of these girls are transgender, the other two are cisgender - their lives and expectations are similar, just some small differences. This is a positive book about life as a very privileged transgender person, about traveling, about fun, expectations but above all about love. Yes, transgender women are women. They live, they love, and they can be quite normal. All I ask is that you open your eyes."

Cecilia Gentili - Faltas: Letters to Everyone in My Hometown...

Full title: "Faltas: Letters to Everyone in My Hometown Who Isn’t My Rapist" by Cecilia Gentili.

"In these hilarious and heartbreaking letters, Cecilia Gentili reinvents the trans memoir, putting the confession squarely between the writer and her enemies, paramours and friends. Writing to childhood figures such as her rapist's daughter, her father's mistress, her best friend, and her mother, Gentili probes deeply into the bitter cruelty, buried secrets, and delicious gossip of a small town. Is she here for revenge, or forgiveness? Both! And more! A story of sex, theft, murder, motherhood, and outrageous fashion choices, Faltas is a beautiful, messy meditation on what it takes to heal, and even grow."

Barbara Marie Minney - Poetic Memoir Chapbook Challenge

Full title: "Poetic Memoir Chapbook Challenge" by Barbara Marie Minney.

This is the second poetry book by Barbara Marie Minney. She is a transgender woman, award winning poet, writer, speaker, teaching artist, and quiet activist. Her poetry and essays have appeared in numerous publications, including Politico, The Buckeye Flame, The Gasconade Review, Gargoyle Magazine, The Pine Cone Review, Women Speak: Women of Appalachia Project, Woman Scream: The International Poetry Anthology of Female Voices, The New Wasteland, new words (issue one): a trans and gender-expansive journal, and I Thought I Heard A Cardinal Sing, Ohio’s Appalachian Voices.

Barbara’s poetry has also been translated into Spanish. She is the author of If There’s No Heaven, the winner of the 2020 Poetry Is Life Book Award and an Akron Beacon Journal Best Northeast Ohio Book in 2020; the Poetic Memoir Chapbook Challenge; and Dance Naked With God. Barbara is a retired attorney and a seventh-generation Appalachian and lives in Tallmadge, Ohio, with her wife of over 42 years and a menagerie of stuffed animals.

Mercury Stardust - Safe and Sound

Full title: "Safe and Sound: A Renter-Friendly Guide to Home Repair" by Mercury Stardust.

"As a transwoman, I've discovered (the hard way) that we live in a world with much to fear. But imagine fearing something as simple as asking for help. Imagine relying on others-landlords-to provide a basic human right, like housing, but knowing those same people believe you're an abomination because of your sexuality or gender identity. Imagine a world where reaching out for help is more than just a mundane task-it's a game of chance. Sadly, for too many renters, this isn't just a one-time moment of fear. For single moms, college students in a foreign town, and many others, a knock on the door can feel just as terrifying, even when you need the help.

All renters deserve to feel empowered enough to take matters into their own hands. The skills I'll show you how to develop will allow you to help friends, teach family members, and even assist a panicking neighbor-further empowering more people to take on tasks on their own. We all have a home-whether it's made up of brick walls or plaster-filled with memories and dreams. Knowledge should pass through any barriers put up around it because a little bit of knowledge can go a long way toward making someone feel more in control of their own life."

Mina Rudin - Veni Vidi Vici: What Actually Happened

Full title: "Veni Vidi Vici - What Actually Happened?: The inner journey doesn't always mirror the outer" by Mina Rudin.

The book is the follow-up of two books published previously in Swedish: "Mina Rudin - Veni Vidi Vici - Min resa från pojke till flicka: En självbiografi av Wilhelmina Rudin" (2019) (Veni Vidi Vici - My Journey from Boy to Girl: An Autobiography by Wilhelmina Rudin) and "Veni Vidi Vici - Resan Efter: Del 2 - En Självbiografi Av Wilhelmina Rudin" (2020) (Veni Vidi Vici - The Journey After: Part 2 - An Autobiography By Wilhelmina Rudin).

"Imagine that you wake up and realize that you are in the wrong body. You were a boy yesterday, and woke up as a girl. Or you fell asleep as a girl and woke up as a boy. Wondering how it would feel. Every morning of my life, I have woken up and had a masculine attribute. We all know that boys have a snot, while girls do not. But in my case, and many other transgender people out there in society, it happens every day."

Santa Khurai - The Yellow Sparrow: Memoir of a Transgender

Full title: "The Yellow Sparrow: Memoir of a Transgender" by Santa Khurai.

"Santa Khurai was seventeen when she decided to start dressing like a woman. Born male, she had always believed herself to be female, and she claimed her feminine identity fiercely and openly. Her bold act of wearing dresses and make-up in public brought down upon her the wrath of her father, insults and ridicule wherever she went, and, frequently, beatings at the hands of the armed forces who are a constant presence in her native Manipur. The humiliation and physical attacks did not deter her. In her words, ‘My desire to be a woman, a beautiful, fashionable woman, was so strong that I was not afraid of challenging anything that came in the way... I felt that I could bear anything but I could not live like a man.’ 

Noreen Antao - A Couple's Journey to Transgenderism

Full title: "A Couple's Journey to Transgenderism" by Noreen Antao.

"Noreen Antao went into her second marriage with high hopes that the man she loved, and who loved her and her children, would be the light of her life, for the rest of her life. Just before the marriage he revealed to her his deepest secret, something he had revealed to no one he liked to wear women's clothes. "His coming out of the closet to me, put me in the closet with him."

This led them on a 15-year journey of discovery, deeper and deeper into a world of crossdressing, transgenderism, homosexuality, and even B&D. "It was very sad to watch Jason becoming more female than male I was gradually losing my husband to 'the other woman'." Noreen's experiences offer a rare look into the struggle of finding one's true sexuality, and the effect that can have on one's spouse, career and family."

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