Wow. Bruce Jenner has been in the news a lot lately and whether you understand his transgender decision or not, it’s probably time that we start to understand transgenderism. I’m by no means an expert but just like you, I want to know what it’s all about and I want to be open and available to people who are identifying with a body different from the one they were born with.
I can’t imagine how it feels to be born in the wrong body.What’s more, I can’t imagine having to hide who you are for years. Over 60 years In Jenner’s case. People think they know you just by looking at you but that’s not really the case with transgendered people is it? What I show you on the outside may not be truly who I am on the inside. It’s time that the transgendered population becomes more understood and the only way we will be able to understand them is through gaining knowledge. And the best way to gain knowledge is through reading.
I’ve curated a list of books you might want to read in light of Bruce Jenner’s decision to become a woman. In this mix you’ll find fiction and nonfiction.
Transparent: Love, Family, and Living the T with Transgender Teenagers by Cris Beam
You know me, my heart is with the kids. I want to understand what transgender teens struggle with, so I’d start here.
Beyond Magenta: Transgender Teens Speak Out by Susan Kuklin
I like the idea of a photo essay or snapshots of real transgendered teens. I also love this cover: We have to stop looking at people and asking boy or girl.
Transgender History by Susan Stryker
So this is a history book that traces the history of the transgender movement. I hesitate to use the word movement, as if it’s trendy like a diet. These are people’s lives we’re discussing. But you’ll be surprised how far back the transgender discussion goes.
Warrior Princess: A US Navy Seal’s Journey to Coming Out Transgender by Kristin Beck & Ann Speckhard
First of all, I love the title Warrior Princess. The two words should not be mutually exclusive, right? I love how big strong manly Chris had so many macho manly experiences including being a Navy Seal; you don’t get much more macho than that, right? Except that manly Chris wanted to be a woman. So…maybe he and Bruce might have a few things in common.
Let’s keep an open mind while Jenner and others take their journey through transgendering. After all, if Jenner were my brother, dad, uncle, son or other loved one, all I’d want is for him to be happy, right?