Transition: The Story Of How I Became A Man (2011) - Plot & Excerpts
A very interesting look into the life of a child of a celebrity, who became a minor celebrity in their own right. I admired Chaz's dedication to support gay rights and transgender folk. Some interesting notes on her celebrity parents: Sonny Bono would burn cork and black out Chastity's face when she was a baby girl, tie her up in a shirt and hang her in a closet. Then he would send someone on another pretense, to go find her and shock them. Aside from the practical joke hijinks, her father was more accepting of Chastity's coming out as lesbian. Sonny was also more accepting of Chastity's masculine traits than Cher was. However, Sonny died before Chaz came out as being trans. Cher was very accepting of Chaz being trans at first, then when time came for hormones and the operation Chaz's mother was concerned about the media issue. When the story broke about the transition, Chastity was under a lot of media scrutiny until Michael Jackson died which gave her a reprieve, with the press.Effects of testosterone therapy were: deeper voice, facial hair and body hair. Increased Confidence. He noticed an Increased sexual tension between male and female. More linear and logical thinking. Quicker to become angry. He mentioned through out the book that he was always uncomfortable with his breasts, starting from puberty -- his first puberty. Yes, when the hormone therapy kicked in, he reported going through the zit phase again! So, since he was not comfortable with breasts, it stood to reason that he would have what he called "Top Surgery" removing the breasts and reconstructing the nipples. He mentions that the press would ask intrusive questions, but if you're reading this, you're probably wondering, as I was -- listening to the audiobook, what about bottom surgery? He answers stating that everyone, or maybe the press, is more interested in a trans' bottom surgery than most transgender people are. Another question that came to mind was -- did he have to deal with his change in the midst of a relationship and how did that go? He did deal with it, surprisingly, but I'll leave the rest to those who want to read or listen, themselves.I found some inspirational quotes from Chaz Bono: If you are letting fear stop you from doing something that you need to do, don't. The only thing we have to fear, is fear itself. It hasn't been an easy life, but it has certainly been a good one.Chaz also felt it is important to help others who have issues we have already over come. The story is excellent in that he goes through his thought process from toddler to adulthood. All the phases in between are crucial to his conclusions. However, this book doesn't address all the psychology behind all the years is insufficient. Also, insufficient is the details regarding conversations with family members. Undoubtedly, this book gives much insight. Chaz will help many. Perhaps, it opens the doors. Others may continue to break it open.
What do You think about Transition: The Story Of How I Became A Man (2011)?
It gives me a new appreciation for what Chaz has gone through in order to be happy with himself.
—nick
Interesting book about the many changes in the life of Chaz Bono.
—stephie
It is what it is, he/she has a right for happiness.
—Ryan
