A Memorable One...

The book I chose is for personal reasons: One: I am curious to find out how did this started; Two: What is behind the meaning; Three: Just my personal interest since I have many friends who are "Transgender". As soon as I opened the book, I felt comfortable, most especially when I read a short paragraph on the first page, which is a dedication note from the author, Susan Stryker. I enjoyed her note and made me believe that there are more good in life. The note says,

"The book is dedicated to all trans people who lived the lives that made history. I've outlined here, and to the community activists, too numerous to mention, who continue to advance the cause of social justice for transgender people everywhere."

 It is really inspiring for the author to make such a great note. She is very supportive towards this community and I truly admire her for what she does. Although it leaves me wondering, if one of her family members or friends are transgendered?

Before reading the further, I've realize that this maybe something educational rather than a story. The title itself explains the book as well as her dedication note. The book is called Transgender History.

As I flipped the next page, I've discovered she wrote a prologue and left a great importance of why it led her to her career today, sometimes I wish they provided that field of study in PCC. The book heightened my interest more than any other books I've read before. In addition, this book only covers the history of Transgender in the United States although I was hoping that the history will cover since the beginning of time.

On the other hand, I know it'll turn out to some great surprises, speaking of surprises, Susan Stryker is a transsexual person, in other words, she was born a male and transformed to a female in the late 1980's. She mentioned that she had no other transgendered or transsexual friends or family and was alone coming out. I believed that it must have been really difficult for her to "come out". Although it was really nice to finally find herself in a very comfortable position.

Another surprising moment is that Susan Stryker is a transsexual lesbian. I find that very interesting and strange, because born as a male and transformed into a female usually happens to being with a guy. I guess there are many other differences that exists in the world. I'll never be able to get this out of my head, because it was very new and positively eccentric. Someday I would love to meet the author and listen to stories personally. Her just writing a brief and narrow story of what she went through during her transformation was awful. It resembled to the experiences of most homosexuals.

What really triggered me was that she stated her situation at one point that she was unsafe in public.  I could imagine all the hardships she faced alone and it must be depressing if I ever get the chance to hear the details. She sounds so brave and very righteous. It is admiring for her to stay strong and fight for her passionate feelings. I am touched by how she reached out to the community and express what she believes in and simply that is EQUALITY.  I think I found a role model and people should be aware of who Susan Stryker is.

Another thing that caught my attention is that she mentioned San Francisco had the best historical materials for Gays, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgendered and that she is also a Professor at the college. I am so motivated to learn about her work and other events that she was a part of.  This concludes a standing ovation for Susan Stryker.