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.
Full title: "Warrior Princess: A U.S. Navy Seal's Journey to Coming Out Transgender" by Kristin Beck and Anne Speckhard.
Kristin Beck’s Warrior Princess: A U.S. Navy SEAL’s Journey to Coming Out Transgender, co-authored with Anne Speckhard, is a raw and deeply personal memoir that provides a rare glimpse into the life of a highly decorated Navy SEAL navigating the complexities of gender identity. The book is both an account of Beck’s distinguished military career and an exploration of the emotional and psychological turmoil she faced before embracing her true self.
Beck’s military experiences, spanning 20 years and 13 deployments, including service with the elite SEAL Team Six, make for gripping reading. She recounts intense combat situations and the unwavering camaraderie among soldiers, but beneath the valor and discipline, she harbored a profound sense of dissonance. The memoir does not shy away from detailing the pressures of hypermasculinity within the military, an environment that often left Beck feeling alienated. Her transition was not just a personal journey but a public statement that challenged deeply ingrained perceptions of gender in one of the most traditionally masculine institutions.
2013,
English,
Interview,
Kristin Beck,
USA,
Full title: "Valor" by LisaAnn Estrine.
LisaAnn Estrine’s Valor is a remarkable and poignant exploration of gender, identity, and self-discovery, shedding light on the journey of a transgender woman within the context of societal expectations and personal growth. Estrine’s narrative is a raw, compelling account that takes the reader through the intricate and often tumultuous process of transition, not only physically but emotionally and mentally as well.
The book's strength lies in its ability to convey the deep internal conflicts that Estrine faces, but also the personal triumphs that come with embracing one's true self.
Estrine’s approach to storytelling is both courageous and vulnerable. The writing is honest and transparent, offering a view into the complexities of gender identity that is rarely seen in mainstream literature. Unlike more generalized narratives about transgender experiences, Valor delves deep into the nuance of Estrine's own path, providing readers with a personal perspective that feels both universal and deeply unique. This is a book that doesn't shy away from the hard truths, offering readers an insight into the psychological and emotional toll that transitioning can take on an individual. There’s a particular emphasis on the toll of external judgment, particularly from the military community, which forms a significant part of Estrine’s personal journey. In many ways, this makes the book highly relatable to those who have struggled with external acceptance, regardless of their background.
2018,
English,
Kristin Beck,
LisaAnn Estrine,
