Bruce Jenner Got Us Talking About Trans Issues; Here’s Some Music, Books, And Shows To Keep The Conversation Going

Last week, nearly 17 million Americans (and countless others world wide) tuned in to watch Bruce Jenner reveal, over the course of two hours, that he is transgender, has suffered from gender dysphoria for most of his life, that he is transitioning, and that at some point in the near future he plans to start living his life as woman.

First off, yay Bruce! Gender dysphoria sucks, and mine has gotten a whole lot better since I started my transition. I’m super proud of you. High five!

And the interview itself was pretty good. We got honest insight into Bruce’s story, and — while at times he came off as a bit of a narcissist — he was cogent and very capable of articulating his experiences. The interview also did a great job of starting a public dialogue about transgender issues and clearing up a number of simple misconceptions about transgender people. Namely:

• That being trans is not a lifestyle choice but is something you’re born with;
• That gender identity and sexual orientation are distinct things; and
• That gender and sexuality are not simple binaries.

The fluidity of gender was illustrated perfectly by the way Jenner would comfortably use either male, female or neutral pronouns to describe different aspects of himself. When asked whether he was heterosexual or a lesbian he grimaced, wonderfully. It’s a question that I’ve been asked many times during my transition; the answer I’ve always given is, “I like girls, label that however you want”.

The most remarkable aspect of it, though, was how many people tuned in. There have been scores of great documentaries, books, movies and TV shows that have dealt with trans issues, but none of those stories have been as widely consumed or publicised as this one – predictably, considering it involves someone connected with the Kardashians. It’s refreshing to know that, if nothing else, this interview has sparked a genuine curiosity about transgender issues that goes beyond questions about sex and surgery.

With that in mind, here’s a list of some more excellent trans-related stories, most of which sadly haven’t made it much further than an audience directly affected by transgender issues. Bruce Jenner has opened a door for the broad community to start engaging a little more deeply with this stuff, but his story is just one of many. If your want to delve a little deeper – to start really understanding, and start being an ally – these will get you started.

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Documentary Series: True Trans with Laura Jane Grace (AOL)

Laura is the lead singer of the punk band Against Me!, who transitioned in 2012, and then just ploughed the fuck on as the lead singer of that punk band. She’s my hero. Engaging with her story was what taught me that transition and maintaining the life and career I had built as a man were not mutually exclusive.

True Trans, produced by AOL, is a ten-part documentary series that pairs Laura’s transgender experience with interviews with many gender variant people, from all walks of life. It’s an incredibly thorough and thoughtful look at trans issues, covering everything from growing up trans, coming out, privilege, relationships and transitioning while being a parent. It also has a good chunk of stuff about issues that affect trans men.

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TV Show: Transparent, starring Jeffrey Tambor (Amazon Prime)

Amazon’s hit television series about a transgender woman transitioning in her 70s, Transparent focuses on social transition, and the experiences of a family as a loved one transitions. It won the Golden Globe for best TV series, musical or comedy, and for best actor (Jeffrey Tambor).

It’s simultaneously hilarious and tragic and thoroughly amazing. I managed to interview Jeffrey Tambor about the show earlier this year. He described his appreciation for being allowed to be a part of the ongoing discussion on transgender issues: “I love the responsibility. It makes my hands shake because lives are at stake. It’s real… there’s something about doing this at 70 years old that is very meaningful for me. It has brought it all together for me as a performer, and it feels very right.”

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Album: Transgender Dysphoria Blues –– Against Me!

Okay, more from Laura Jane Grace (did I mention that she’s my hero?).

Transgender Dysphoria Blues is Against Me!’s sixth studio album, but the first since LJG came out as trans, and many of the tracks deal with gender dysphoria as a central theme. What I’ve found most comforting about this album is Laura’s voice. Your voice doesn’t change as a result of hormone replacement therapy, which can be a big hang-up for a lot of trans women. It’s wonderful to hear the pride and passion in Laura’s gruff rock voice; it’s pretty damned sexy. Against Me! are touring Australia in May and June, too.

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Movie: Boy Meets Girl, dir. Eric Schaeffer (2015)

Boy Meets Girl is a beautiful romantic comedy about a young transgender woman finding love, living in Kentucky.

So many movies and stories that are about trans people are about their time in transition and, quite often (as in the case of Tambor on Transparent), the actors who play these characters are not trans themselves. It was so refreshing to watch a film that was about post-transition life, and featured a trans actress. It’s available on demand and on iTunes.

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Book: Whipping Girl: A Transsexual Woman on Sexism and the Scapegoating of Femininity, by Julia Serano (2007)

Julia Serano is a professional biologist, and a transgender woman. Her book is a fantastic and informed look at the social and biological perspectives on gender, framed within her own transition. It’s an intelligent and honest text from someone with a fantastic perspective that arranges transgender issues within feminist theory. It explores how the concepts of privilege, misogyny, sexism, objectification and discrimination relate to both femaleness and transness.

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Another Book: She’s Not There: A Life in Two Genders, by Jennifer Finney Boylan (2003)

She’s Not There is a really great memoir written by a novelist who transitioned in her forties. It’s often hilarious, and explores the way in which relationships with friends and family are challenged by transition. Boylan also looks at the social complexities that evolve from years of repression and denial, and what happens to our relationships when we are able to accept ourselves.

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So there we have it, get watching and reading and start talking and asking more questions.

And again, Bruce, congratulations; it’s great to have you on team, lady. If you’re ever down under, give me a ring. I know where they sell all the good shoes in the big sizes.

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Nicola Fierce is a pseudonym. Nicola a transwoman in her thirties who is in the middle of transition. She currently lives as a somewhat famous man. This will change when she’s good and ready.