Yes, You Are Trans Enough

[MirandaB]

Just started  reading  Yes, You Are Trans Enough after seeing my library system had one copy. 

 

It's a memoir but also will delve into discussing how the topics raised by facets of her life play out in the world. 

 

Related a lot to the story of her early life when she played with a "Batman" toy, because I loved the Batman TV show during its original run, not being old enough to realize it was a spoof. I put that 'liked boyish things' on the list of reasons I wasn't trans for a long time (cause all cis people have a lengthy list of reasons they aren't trans going through their head every day for decades on end). 

 

Her point on this issue is that so much of what we do as kids is affected by the stereotypes of the groups we're quickly sorted into, and you don't get peer pressure to not like things associated with the gender people think you are as you do if you like things that are. (Her example was a boy who got shamed for his equestrian hobby).  Then later on in life this can be used against you (You didn't play with Barbies? Guess you're not trans enough).  

 

I'm sure much of the story will parallel my life except for the additional decades of delay in my version of the story, but just having the title of the book sitting there for me to glance at when not reading is a nice feeling!

 

 

[Charlize]

It certainly is a great title.  To steal a line from James Brown "Say it loud and say it proud!". I am trans enough

 

Hugs,

 

Charlize

[MirandaB]

I often say to folks that one great aspect of being trans is that trans authors will almost always interact with you on twitter (back when that worked), so this happened again with her. 

 

I quoted this, in truncated twitter character limit version:

 

Quote

"...transition is nobody's first idea, or second, or third, it's usally the last resort...We know full well that trans people are stigmatizzed and that transition can bring social exclusion...We do it anyway because we have no choice. When every other option has been exhausted and we still don't feel right, that's when we give in and transition...only trans people genuinely consider transition, because we're the only ones who still think it sounds exciting and enticing despite all the side-effects. Warning someone who's decided to transition that they should think it through is like asking someone if they're sure they want to be released from prison."

 

She replied, That’s a good line, I’d forgotten I wrote that

 

Anyway, finding this one to be right up there with She's Not There on my list of books I most relate to. 

[April Marie]

This will be my next read. Thank you!!

[Ivy]

Ah, I read this one awhile back.  It was pretty good.

I sometimes wonder about myself since I'm not seeking surgery and all.  But I have been living it now for a few years.  I am still a woman, trans yes, but a woman.