Editorial Review

If the only time you think you've seen a transsexual is on the Jerry Springer show, Noelle Howey's thoughtful, funny memoir of her suburban childhood with a cross-dressing dad may leave you wondering where all the fireworks are. The first half of Read more

Reviews (25)

It's all about the tone she takes.
I am a great fan of using humor to deliver painful truths in writing, but this book goes too far in that direction. The writer's tone is unbearably flippant at times. She seems to hold her life and the lives of her parents at arm's length where she can giggle at it all with shoulder-shrugging, eye-rolling smirks.When dealing with her own childhood, that approach is fine, but I was taken aback by the writer's overly jokey tone when talking about her mother's adolescence and her father's painful childhood. That is probably one way of dealing with the confusion and pain of her father's life and the distance that caused in their relationship. Thankfully, late in the story, her father goes through his transformation and so does she. When her humor finally fails her, she also relaxes her frenetic "let's-play-it-for-laughs" posture. As a reader, I was relieved. All in all, this is a fascinating story about gender that raises as many questions as it answers. The writer's eye for telling detail brings her past alive, and she is one funny woman, so I do recommend it despite the snarky tone. Also, how many other people can tell this story? That alone makes this book worth it.

I expected more
When I saw this book, I expected it to be facinating.Afterall, how could it fail? Somehow, it did for me.I was very disappointed, because I wanted to compare this family with another.A good friend of mine went though the process of changing gender from male to female and since we worked nights together, I spent a lot of time talking to her about the process. Although I did finish the book, it won't be one that I'll need to talk about.Howey seemed to have left the characters incomplete.I found the end to be rushed.Howey dealt with her major depressive episode in the last 30 pages!Not one of my favorite books and not one I'd recommend for others.

I came expecting a sordid thrill and left with a touching and well-done family portrait
The true story of a woman who grew up with a cross-dressing dad, who later became a transgendered woman, is bound to be an attention getter.I picked this up expecting to get some nice shocking details about alternative lifestyles, but instead I was touched with a very complete family portrait.Howey dove deep into her mother's and her father's childhoods, their formative sexual relationships, and how they were shaped into who they were as adults.She paints a complete picture of three different transformations into womanhood--those of her mother, herself, and her father.
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Subjects:  1. Biography & Autobiography    2. Biography / Autobiography    3. Biography/Autobiography    4. Childhood Memoir    5. Children of transsexual parent    6. Children of transsexual parents    7. Family Relationships    8. Gay men    9. Personal Memoirs    10. Specific Groups - Male Gay Studies    11. Transsexual parents    12. United States    13. Women    14. Literary    15. Children of gay parents    16. Gay fathers    17. Alternative Sexual Behavior    18. Parent And Child   

Features

• Illustrated

Reviews (1)

4 Stars, a great read!
Anyone who names there catLily Ashly-Buttofuco-John Wayne Bobbit-Harding-Gululi is going to have an interesting life. This is the true story of April Ashley the first person in England to have a sex change it is a story of triumph of will over adversity and hypocrisy, and a celebration of generosity of spirit. Now in her 70th year April Ashleys book is a hilarious and heartwarming account of a remarkable individuals extraordinary life and how she became the woman she always wanted to be. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography & Autobiography    2. Biography / Autobiography    3. Biography/Autobiography    4. Gender Studies    5. General    6. Biography: general    7. Coping with personal problems    8. Social Science / Gender Studies    9. TRANSSEXUALS   

Reviews (1)

Beauty and Power : Transgendering and Cultural Transformatio
I felt this book gave a good understanding of the traditional versus modern life i the Phillipines.I felt this book could have been written better but it wasn't so, I only gave it 2 stars ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Anthropology - Cultural    2. Anthropology - General    3. Archaeology / Anthropology    4. Gender Studies    5. Gender identity    6. Human Sexuality    7. Philippines    8. Social Science    9. Social life and customs    10. Sociology    11. Transvestites    12. Anthropology    13. Cultural studies    14. Gay & Lesbian studies   

Subjects:  1. Biography    2. Martino, Mario    3. Transsexuals    4. United States   

Subjects:  1. Gay Studies    2. Gay men    3. Gender Studies    4. Homosexuality    5. Human Sexuality    6. Lesbians    7. Social Science    8. Sociology    9. Thailand    10. Transsexualism    11. Lesbian studies   

Reviews (3)

Deep, page-turning, insightful book
This is not at all the kind of book that I would pick up at a bookstore. I review business books, primarily, though I do read and review other genres from time to time. The book was given to me by the author when I spoke at a professional conference which she attended. I opened the cover on the plane on the way home...and couldn't put it down.
En-thralling
I knew Rhonda as Ron and if anyone can succeed, she can.I have had the chance to talk with Rhonda and she is a sweet and beautiful person.The book is well written and you can almost feel the struggles Ron was going through.I was unable to put the book down.Good luck and "God Bless You".

The inside story about gender change.
This book is a must for all those interested in gender change operations. The personal story is classic for the trials and tribulations of individuals suffering with this problem. It is a story of personal victory told in a sensitive and warm style that all can relate to. I personally metRhonda on a plane and saw her in transition. She is an attractive newperson with charm and wit! I loved her story. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. (Rhonda Dale)    2. Biography    3. Biography & Autobiography    4. Biography / Autobiography    5. Biography/Autobiography    6. Gender Studies    7. Gender identity    8. Hoyman, Rhonda D    9. Sex change    10. Specific Groups - Special Needs    11. Transsexuals    12. United States    13. Women   

Subjects:  1. Transsexuals    2. Transsexualism    3. Gender identity   

Subjects:  1. Gender Studies    2. Social Science    3. Sociology    4. Activite politique    5. Canada    6. Feminist theory    7. Human rights    8. Identity    9. Political activity    10. Social Science / Gender Studies    11. Theorie feministe    12. Transsexualism    13. Transsexualisme    14. Transsexuals    15. Transsexuels    16. Transsexuels--Identite   

Subjects:  1. Biography    2. Biography & Autobiography    3. Biography / Autobiography    4. Biography/Autobiography    5. Gender identity    6. General    7. Great Britain    8. Sex change    9. Transsexuals    10. Biography & Autobiography / General   

Reviews (4)

Good read, but some issues
On the whole I really liked the book.It was fairly informative, however fairly dry, as it was written from a anthropological point of view. Bolin's Landmark Text in Transgender Studies
The leading feminist ethnographer and sexologist researcher in the US in Transgender Studies made her mark with this groundbreaking text on MTW (MTF) transsexuality. Bolin writes that we need better "rites of passage" for gender transitioning. Ones that are not hyper-psycho-medicalized. Ones that do not make of transwomen diseases and disorders. Great Book to learn about your transistion.
I've read this book five times now. I learn more every time I read it. If you are a confused person of what and how to concieve your transistion, read this book. There is no mistake of what Anne Bolin is saying in thisbook, that she understands the interactions of Transsexuals and theirjourney's. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Gender Studies    2. Human Sexuality    3. Psychology    4. Sex change    5. Sex role    6. Transsexuality    7. Transsexuals    8. Psychology & Psychiatry / Human Sexuality    9. Women's studies   

Reviews (1)

Impassioned Wisdom About the Meaning of Gender
In a nutshell, Mollenkott examines the "binary gender construct" that holds us all hostage.In a world centered around the binary gender construct, we are all pigeon-holded into one of two sexes from birth -- male or female -- and from there, we hammered by social pressure to conform to the associated culturally-defined gender roles.That is, men must be "masculine" men and women must be "feminine" women.Read more

Subjects:  1. Christianity    2. Comparative Religion    3. Comparative studies    4. Gender Studies    5. Religion - Socialissues    6. Religious aspects    7. Social Science    8. Sociology    9. Transsexualism    10. Transvestism   

Subjects:  1. Administration    2. General    3. Medical    4. Medical / Nursing    5. Public Health    6. Sociology - General    7. Gay & Lesbian studies    8. Medical / Public Health    9. Personal & public health    10. Transsexuals   

Editorial Review

"Looking at a drag queen," Holly Brubach remarks, "we instantly grasp the distinction between male (a biological category) and masculine (a cultural category), between female and feminine; they are obviously not one and the same." Brubach, the former style editor of the Read more

Reviews (3)

Very entertaining!
Initially I picked this book up on the strength of the wonderful photographs by Michael James O'Brien. However it was the broad scope of Holly Brubach's look at the phenomenon of drag in different cultures and the depth of her observations about gender, which ultimately delighted me.
Best analysis & pictorial of the art & life of drag
Masterfully done by a man (photographer Michael James O'Brien) & a woman (Holly Brubach), who share a real appreciation of the fine art of cross- dressing & its trials & triumphs, this is the best, mostcaring analysis of drag & its artists I've ever read & the empathy& depth of perception caught by the photos (some color, some b/w) isalone more than worth the full price of admission (which I was glad to payin the bookstore!)

The best photographs of drag that I've ever seen
As the proprietor of a drag performance club in New York, I eagerly awaited the release of this book, which had been rumoured about for almost a decade on the scene. Well, this book was worth the wait!Read more

Subjects:  1. Alternative Sexual Behavior    2. Female impersonators    3. Gay Studies    4. Gay/Lesbian Nonfiction    5. Male impersonators    6. Social Science    7. Transvestism    8. Social Science / Gender Studies    9. Transsexuals   

Reviews (5)

Smart, enjoyable, and truthful (I don't know about factual)
I became curious about Bambi Lake after hearing Justin Bond sing several of her songs in NYC.She's a marvelous songwriter.The book was great--really evoked a particular time and energy that just doesn't exist right now in queer life.The book is witty and fabulous--also touching and smart.I can't attest to the factual basis of all her stories, but they certainly ring true in the larger sense.The book was money well-spent.

Fabulous.
Loved it. Best of all is Bambi's own story, which is compelling.A must-read for anyone with gender confusion!

Couldn't put it down...
An engaging narrative that makes it difficult for the reader to put down.The fantastic quality of this book is not just the history and the story..but how much the author's voice, wit, wisdome and beauty, comes across..loud and clear..it is like having a 200 page conversation with Bambi in your boudoire..telling you all about the glam, the glitz, dish, and the juice of her fabulous life.Read more

Subjects:  1. 1950-    2. Biography    3. Biography & Autobiography    4. Biography/Autobiography    5. Case studies    6. Fiction    7. Fiction - General    8. Gender Studies    9. General    10. Lake, Bambi,    11. Lesbian    12. Transsexualism    13. Transsexuals    14. United States    15. Biography & Autobiography / General    16. Lake, Bambi    17. Performing Arts    18. Popular culture   

Reviews (1)

A Must-Have Handbook
This book is a must-have for all faculty, staff and administrators on all college campuses. General information, answers to questions one could have and how to support LGBT college students is available in one place and easyto read!I reccomend it to anyone who is interested in learning more aboutLGBT students, or want to know how they could better support themindividually or on their campus.Get this book now and share it withothers! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Administration - General    2. Education    3. Education / Teaching    4. Gay college students    5. Guidance & Orientation    6. Handbooks, manuals, etc    7. Homosexuality    8. Homosexuality and education    9. Lesbian college students    10. Multicultural Education    11. Reference    12. Specific Groups In Higher Education    13. United States    14. Education / Guidance & Orientation    15. Educational administration    16. Educational resources & technology    17. Gay & Lesbian studies    18. Gender studies    19. Higher & further education    20. USA   

Reviews (6)

moving photography and personal histories
this book avoids being sensationalistic and instead shows a very real portrait of what different transgendered lives and experiences look like.the histories of the subjects are particularly moving and personal.i'd recomend this book for anyone interested in gender studies or portrait photography.if, however, you're looking for a sesational and exploitative book of "trannies" than you might want to pass this one up.

Art & Activism
Without Mariette Pathy Allen's art and activism, the transgender movement would not be the vital force that it is today. It's that simple. If you care enough about the provocative subject of gender to have found your way to this page, this book belongs in your library. Enjoy!
Truly wonderful.....
I feel Mariette Pathy Allen has made a real difference in the way non gender variant people view gender variant people. She has recorded something wonderful in her book "Gender Frontiers". This book captures the hues and shadows of the humanity of gender variant people. Her book depicts the joy and struggle of being alive with a difference most of humanity is either unaware of or skeptical about. Gender Frontier is a truly an amazing work created by an amazing person. A must read for all those who are gender variant or know someone who is.Read more

Subjects:  1. Gender Studies    2. Gender identity    3. General    4. Human Sexuality    5. Photoessays & Documentaries    6. Photography    7. Portraits    8. Social Science    9. Sociology    10. Transsexualism    11. Transsexuals    12. United States    13. Photographs: collections    14. Social Science / Gender Studies   

Reviews (5)

When Worlds Collide - Genesis
Looking at the message from the author that she so thoughtfully placed on the inner cover - "Dear Dana, Please accept this book as my token of appreciation for your many contributions to the gender community. Keep up the good work. Love, Peggy" - shows what a kind heart was behind the words of this book. Disappointment
After eagerly anticipating an in depth treatment ofthe subject, I frankly found Ms. Rudd's performance disappointing and shallow.Much of the book seemed to be devoted to ordinary issues arising in two people getting along harmoniously in any relationship...for example, her extensive quotes of Gen. Powell. Further, nothing was said about the absurd inequity in this culture where a woman can dress fully as a man and be perfectly socially acceptable, even down to the boxer shorts.Is the male in the relationship going to go into a big number over the female wearing jeans or business suits?? So why should the female such as Ms. Rudd make a big deal of her husband 'cross-dressing' (is a female cross-dressing when she dresses like a man?)?She makes it appear that the shocking business of her husband/boyfriend 'cross-dressing' is fraught with issues for the (injured) female in the relationship to work through??? Not much of a substantive analysis was ventured as to WHY many men have this desire....such as perhaps because in this distorted macho culture the normal human characteristics that are associated with being properly limited to females (such as sensitivity, passivity, weakness, being emotional (except anger which males are allowed to feel)) are off-limits to the successfully American inculturated male (cf. Jung and discussions of the animus/anima which all humans possess). In any event, I found Ms. Rudd's treatment shallow and superficial, and much ink was wasted on the common relationship issues that don't specifically address the subject at hand. I certainly do agree that the issues raised are important, and that males need to appreciate and accept their 'feminine' sides along with their 'male' sides.For some males cross-dressing seriously or just in fun or just in a limited fashion perhaps can be part of that.After all, females due to the women's movement now can act and dress exactly like males and nobody makes an issue of that.Time for a little equity, guys.Time for one of you to write a book from the male perspective, not the female's perspective as illustrated by Ms. Rudd's superficial and subtlely judgmental treatment.

A delicate subject with a touching and delicate good taste
It is not often that we can have the privilege of reading such an excellent book as "Who's really from Venus?".It is a fortunate blend of common sense, clear, well written prose, intersped poetryand good taste. It�s very touching and a great help both for husbands and wives.One ofthe best books I have read in many years.If you are interested in thissubject, this book is a must.If you are not familiar with this subject,this is a very delicate and well informed way to find out about it.Fivestars, applause and my heartfelt appreciation to Ms. Rudd. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Gender Studies    2. Gender identity    3. General    4. Identity    5. Psychology & Psychiatry / Human Sexuality    6. Self-Help    7. Sociology    8. Transsexuals    9. Transvestites    10. United States    11. Alternative Sexual Behavior    12. Gender    13. Human Sexuality    14. Relationships    15. Self-Help / General    16. Sex role    17. Transexualism    18. Transvestism   

Subjects:  1. Gay Studies    2. General    3. Psychology    4. Social Science    5. Sociology    6. Biography: general    7. Transsexuals   

Reviews (7)

Mature and Happy TS Auto
For anyone following any phase of the (MtF)TG/TS path Aleshia's story is very encouraging as it's begining is so early, or long ago, in the developement of TS/MtF transition and surgical methods and yet this fantastic individual persists and succeeds.
The Woman I Was Not Born to Be: A Transsexual Journey
What can i say about this book. Well It's very rare for me to read any book from cover to cover but this one had me gripped its funny and its also very sad in places. As you read the book you begin to feel like your part of what is taking place you feel like you're in the book especially if you are trans gender or you just like gender related books. I fully applaud Ms. Brevard!
I'm not even completely finished with this book, but feel compelled to post a `review.'I've been fascinated with transsexuals stories since I discovered Canary Conn's (born Danny O'Connor) autobiography when in college.I guess I've been searching for better understanding as to what would cause a person to make the ultimate, surgical, decision.Well, I can honestly say that after reading most of Aleshia Brevard's honest autobiography, I am not only fairly close to understanding, but have the utmost respect for those who have to correct a birth defect in their gender (to paraphrase Ms. Brevard).But, this book isn't merely a transsexual's story - it's a human story about feeling different, and how to correct that difference.I fully applaud Ms. Brevard, not only for her integrity and grit to make that ultimate corrective action, but also for this wonderfully human account that's now shared with the world (and, she's got a great sense of humor).Let's hope that more people, no matter what their gender, read and appreciate this book.To Ms. Brevard I say, BRAVA! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1937-    2. Biography    3. Biography & Autobiography    4. Biography / Autobiography    5. Biography/Autobiography    6. Brevard, Aleshia,    7. Gender Studies    8. General    9. Sociology - General    10. Specific Groups - General    11. Transsexuals    12. United States    13. Women    14. Biography: general    15. USA   

Subjects:  1. Bisexuality    2. Gay Studies    3. Gay and lesbian studies    4. Gender Studies    5. Language    6. Language Arts & Disciplines    7. Lesbian Studies    8. Political Freedom & Security - Civil Rights    9. Public Speaking    10. Transsexualism    11. United States