This post is a first for me in an attempt to review a book now online and in book stores. I found it authentic and believable but, am concerned about people generalizing who she is versus crossdresser’s like myself and many others like me are. In my case heterosexual crossdresser who dresses a couple of times per month. Married with children, grand children and all that. I know Jenner has many children but you need to read the book to learn about that.
The book gives a fascinating look into what goes on in someones mind versus their outward appearance. I remember in 1976 when Bruce won the Decathlon he was America’s hero and made his country proud. I am sure I am not alone in envying his looks and his life, the guy was a stud. I was sure he was bedding different women 7 days a week especially when he went to Hollywood but Caitlyn sets the record straight with a very different account.The book has many other surprises based on my and other peoples assumptions about Bruce Jenner.
We are the same age and grew up in the post WWII era but on different coasts. Being a crossdresser in those days was a very lonely existence because there was really nothing readily available on the topic and nobody spoke of it. We were totally alone with our thoughts and desires. I never heard the term DRAG QUEEN until I was 22 which, was about the time I read something about a Transvestite in a magazine.
She explains in the book pretty much what we all went through as most crossdresser’s starting at an early age with Mom’s stuff and in her case an older sister in her teenage years. The guilt, shame and self loathing she describes are a familiar story for many of us. We were raised by men who fought in WWII just a few years before and survived it’s horrors. They were tough and expected the same of those they fathered, coached and mentored teaching us to be men. We could never bear their disgust and being thought of as a sissy. It is one thing to self loath but quit another to experience being loathed by someone you loved and respected.
Caitlin’s decision to start her transition to become the woman she feels she needed to be is where the similarity ends. Although much of what Bruce did through the years parallels most crossdressers experience the decision to become Cailtlyn is where it ends. Most crossdressers don’t have desires like hers and are content to manage their urges to dress like women.
I hope that people understand the difference between the two groups especially loved ones of crossdrerssers such as wives, children, girlfriends, parents and friends. Crossdressing does not necessarily lead to a sex change. The majority of cross dresser’s live normal lives indulging their desire to dress in women’s clothing part time.
I recommend the book to anyone interested in crossdressing or sex reassignment surgery because it is a well written interesting story and enjoyable read especially if you think she is trying to be the spokesperson for all trans people. She takes some heat on that label given to her by the media.
