Becoming a Woman: A Biography of Christine Jorgensen
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Discover the remarkable woman behind the legendDiscover Christine Jorgensen's remarkable, inspirational journey to become the woman she always knew she should have been. Becoming a Woman: A Biography of Christine Jorgensen provides fascinating insights about the woman who opened doors—and minds—on behalf of sexual minorities. This book chronicles Christine's drive, ability to solve problems, immense determination, and just plain luck as she transformed herself into her true gender—and reveals facets of her personality previously undisclosed by other biographies of her life.Christine Jorgensen was a major contributor to the unfolding of the so-called sexual revolution in America. Becoming a Woman: A Biography of Christine Jorgensen is the story of one courageous individual overcoming personal and social barriers, enduring the difficult compromises that needed to be made, and the ultimate realization of goals. This revealing warts-and-all biography tells Christine's real story while examining the history of transsexuality in western societies, the medical intervention provided to her, and insightful profiles of Alfred C. Kinsey, Georges Burou, Harry Benjamin, and Christian Hamburger. The appearance and characteristics of cross dressers are also discussed, as well as their lifestyles are contrasted with transsexual persons. This biography serves to illustrate the challenge to lessen discrimination against all LGBT persons—and the struggle that still lies ahead. Becoming a Woman: A Biography of Christine Jorgensen explores:• The supportive and high functioning family in which Christine grew up• Jorgensen's struggle with homosexual feelings deemed unacceptable by society• Jorgensen's young adult years while presenting as a man• The steps in his/her transsexual self-identification• Jorgensen's determination to redefine himself/herself through medical intervention• Why Dr. Christian Hamburger in Copenhagen took an interest in Jorgensen's case• The previously unrevealed story of Jorgensen's revelations to a news reporter that led to international headlines• How Jorgensen developed a profitable nightclub act • The conflicts that accompanied the writing and publication of her autobiography• Jorgensen's love/hate personality characteristic and its effect on personal relationships• Much more!Becoming a Woman: A Biography of Christine Jorgensen is eye-opening, thought-provoking reading perfect for transsexuals and prospective transsexuals; those who identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual, or as cross dressers; mental health professionals; sociologists; educators; students; social workers; civil rights attorneys; and cultural anthropologists. Lisa N. Johnston - Library Journal In 1950, George Jorgensen boarded the ship Stockholmfor Scandinavia and returned to the United States in 1952 as Christine Jorgensen. This was the first sex reassignment surgery covered in sensational fashion by the world media. In his biography, Docter (psychology, emeritus, California State Univ., Northridge) writes with great insight about the life and social history surrounding this remarkable woman. In 1967, Jorgensen (1926-89) published a ghostwritten autobiography; Docter's biography fills in what was left out, discussing her supportive family; her life in Copenhagen with her doctor, Christian Hamburger; and the revelations to the press that made her an international sensation. Docter includes a valuable discussion on the appearance and characteristics of cross dressers contrasted with transsexuals. This biography is a fascinating companion piece to Jorgensen's autobiography. Ideally, both books should be available to readers in order to understand the woman and the psychological and social aspects of transsexuality. Endnotes and photographs amplify the book's value. Recommended for all libraries with anthropology, GLBT, psychology, and women's studies collections.
Foreword (Vern Bullough)PrefaceAcknowledgmentsIntroduction (Jacob Hale)Chapter 1. Christine, 1988 Chapter 2. The Jorgensens Chapter 3. Elementary and High School Chapter 4. RKO Pathé and Military Service Chapter 5. Hollywood, 1947 Chapter 6. The Male Hormone Chapter 7. The Transsexual Decision Chapter 8. Copenhagen and Christian Hamburger Chapter 9. Medical Intervention Chapter 10. A New Name, a New Gender Chapter 11. Ex-GI Becomes Blonde Beauty Chapter 12. Behind the Headlines Chapter 13. Return to New York Chapter 14. The New York Post Takes Aim Chapter 15. Denmark, the Travel Film Chapter 16. Developing an Act Chapter 17. On the Road Chapter 18. The Marriage License Chapter 19. Exit Patricia Wilson Chapter 20. Summer Stock Chapter 21. Autobiography Chapter 22. The Christine Jorgensen Film Chapter 23. Retirement and Illness Chapter 24. The Final Year Notes Bibliography Index
