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My Story
In 1989 Caroline Cossey, who was born male, made an appeal to the European Commission of Human Rights. She was fighting for the legal right to marry as a woman. The author tells of her childhood in Norfolk, the operations that liberated her sexually and her persecution by the tabloid press.
192 pages, Paperback
First published February 1, 1992
33 people are currently reading
296 people want to read
About the author
Caroline Cossey
3 books20 followersBritish model who often worked under the name Tula, which she also used for two memoirs. She appeared in the 1981 James Bond film For Your Eyes Only. Following her appearance in the film, she was outed as transgender by British tabloid News of the World. In 1991, she became the first trans woman to pose for Playboy.
Cossey has since then fought for her right to legally marry and be legally recognised as a woman.
Cossey has since then fought for her right to legally marry and be legally recognised as a woman.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
May 31, 2015
This book was first published in 1991. That is when I read it. I loaned it to someone and never got it back. Years later I wanted to re-read it and discovered it had become a collectors book. Not too many were for sale and the prices were astronomical. I finally found an unused paper back copy online from a church library. It wasn't cheap but under $60.00 is a bargain for this book. Christine Cossey was born a boy in 1954 in Northern England. Looking at the pictures in the book, especially the one when he was fifteen, it is quite apparent that this boy was not a typical boy. It has been so long since I read the book that I don't remember all the details but I remember he knew something wasn't right from a very young age. His/hers was one of the first transsexual cases and although the surgery was a fabulous success (I would have given anything to look like her!), the legal problems she faced were horrendous. At one point she had to appeal to the European Commission of Human Rights to validate her status as female and marry a man. They denied it. As I said, I don't remember the details but she did get married although I think she had to leave England to do it. Initially she worked in a choirs line but went on to become on of the most famous models of that generation.
If you have ever wondered why a person would want to change their sex, you should read this book. Unless you are completely trans-phobic I don't see how anyone could say that after reading this book they still don't understand.
Checking on Amazon I see that she wrote another book which now holds the heavy price tag. Copies of the edition I have are very affordable now.
If you have ever wondered why a person would want to change their sex, you should read this book. Unless you are completely trans-phobic I don't see how anyone could say that after reading this book they still don't understand.
Checking on Amazon I see that she wrote another book which now holds the heavy price tag. Copies of the edition I have are very affordable now.
May 31, 2025
I always struggle with what to say when it comes to reviewing someone's memoir. Her story is absolutely captivating...but I'm also so very sad she had to deal with so much heart ache and so much discrimination...but also feel so hopeful because she was also surrounded by close family and friends who loved and supported her. I really appreciated getting to hear her story and I'm so glad the audiobook is available on Audible. I actually listened to this twice in a row because I was that invested and wasn't ready for it to be over. I would definitely recommend this one.
August 20, 2019
Very powerful, moving autobiography. The author's voice rings clearly throughout the story as she courageously shares deeply personal elements of her story.
cw: stark descriptions of transantagonist violence including medical, sexual, and intimate partner violence, aggressive harassment by the media
cw: stark descriptions of transantagonist violence including medical, sexual, and intimate partner violence, aggressive harassment by the media
April 1, 2018
Ms. Cossey's story is inspiring and heartbreaking. Stories like hers that make me appreciate the challenges facing transgender people, and transgender women in particular. Despite her fame and success as a model, the story of her transition, once it was known, was often turned into a spectacle in the press. Her brief early marriage is a truly tragic turn in her life, and it cheered me to know that she has found love and a devoted husband since the completion of this book. Her memoir also explains her efforts in Great Britain to fight for transgender marriage equality, long before the marriage equality ruling in the United States. When I was in my teens, I distinctly remember seeing her on the Phil Donahue show, and first recognizing, in her, that some of my own dreams could actually become a reality. And it was great to read her book, which showed her to be a very strong woman. The reaction of her parents, especially for the time period, gives me hope that a mother and father can be loving toward their child, even when that child is transgender.
May 18, 2022
I devoured this book
I read it in three sittings, and I NEVER do that with non-fiction.
As a cis woman, I was surprised at how much I could relate to. Although I have never wanted to change into a man, I found myself empathizing with her struggle to love her body. As a woman with ADHD-inattentive, I related to her struggle to hide her “flaws” from the world, and the terror of telling her family. (All of my struggles being much less intense than hers. RESPECT lady)
I feel much more knowledgeable and educated about this particular LGBTQ experience, which makes me feel more confident that I won’t accidentally hurt my trans friend with my ignorance. (Not that I don’t have more to learn)
It’s been 30 years, can we get a REPRINT??? Still relevant, and the time is right now!!!
I read it in three sittings, and I NEVER do that with non-fiction.
As a cis woman, I was surprised at how much I could relate to. Although I have never wanted to change into a man, I found myself empathizing with her struggle to love her body. As a woman with ADHD-inattentive, I related to her struggle to hide her “flaws” from the world, and the terror of telling her family. (All of my struggles being much less intense than hers. RESPECT lady)
I feel much more knowledgeable and educated about this particular LGBTQ experience, which makes me feel more confident that I won’t accidentally hurt my trans friend with my ignorance. (Not that I don’t have more to learn)
It’s been 30 years, can we get a REPRINT??? Still relevant, and the time is right now!!!
November 26, 2024
A rather sad tale of the all-too-public challenges encountered by Caroline Cossey, in her pursuit of happiness and her rights under the law. Important from a historical standpoint, for its relevance to the development (and failures in development) of British and European law vis-a-vis the rights of transgender people. Like April Ashley before her, Cossey's case did not lead to progress. But it was one crucial battle along the way. Cossey's story is somewhat tragic, for this reason, and due to the monstrous behaviour of the family of her one-time lover and husband Elias Fattal. A member of a family of vicious psychopathic capitalists willing to do anything and hurt anyone to protect their vast wealth and their family name.
January 12, 2025
Caroline Cossey’a life is wild.
A typical course for any trans femme individuals, and it’s heavy.
From being a shy androgynous boy in Norfolk, to a party princess in London, to a showgirl to a burlesque darling in Europe.
All to ensure her survival and womanhood despite the heinous odds.
From creeps to thirsty admirers to the degenerate yellow pages press.
She didn’t have it easy, but she kept on going strong.
I don’t believe in revenge, but I believe survival is the best revenge and testament to conclude one long journey into becoming their absolute self and to honor their struggle.
A typical course for any trans femme individuals, and it’s heavy.
From being a shy androgynous boy in Norfolk, to a party princess in London, to a showgirl to a burlesque darling in Europe.
All to ensure her survival and womanhood despite the heinous odds.
From creeps to thirsty admirers to the degenerate yellow pages press.
She didn’t have it easy, but she kept on going strong.
I don’t believe in revenge, but I believe survival is the best revenge and testament to conclude one long journey into becoming their absolute self and to honor their struggle.
December 14, 2019
Fighting for her right to her life.
If you have ever been different then others Caroline Dorsey describes in this book her struggle to be recognized for her true self yet there were those who could not deal with that. Caroline Cossey is honest and true to all the ups and downs she had to go thru. Knowing her personally, she IS a strong willed woman and will NEVER back down from a fight if she feels that there is a wrong that needs to be righted.
If you have ever been different then others Caroline Dorsey describes in this book her struggle to be recognized for her true self yet there were those who could not deal with that. Caroline Cossey is honest and true to all the ups and downs she had to go thru. Knowing her personally, she IS a strong willed woman and will NEVER back down from a fight if she feels that there is a wrong that needs to be righted.
September 12, 2020
I heard about Ms Cossey via YouTube and knew I had to read her autobiography for myself.
This book is Cossey's life story (to date; i.e. before she had married her current husband) told simply, but with heart. It's both informative and moving (especially the parts about her family). Recommend.
This book is Cossey's life story (to date; i.e. before she had married her current husband) told simply, but with heart. It's both informative and moving (especially the parts about her family). Recommend.
September 2, 2020
Haarav ja kohati südantlõhestav transnaise Caroline Cossey lugu sellest, kuidas on kasvada üles vales kehas, kuidas kollane ajakirjandus võib lõhkuda elusid ja paljust muust.
July 20, 2021
Good read
Very informative book full of information and explanations for people who don't know much about transsexuals and their suffering just trying to lead a normal life
Very informative book full of information and explanations for people who don't know much about transsexuals and their suffering just trying to lead a normal life
September 1, 2023
Recommend it to anyone with a bias toward trans and gay people. Educate yourself before you pass judgement.
November 27, 2025
success
Seen Caroline on talk shows Geraldo and more .
Such a success story beautiful woman !
With a handsome husband think they are still together
So bravo
Seen Caroline on talk shows Geraldo and more .
Such a success story beautiful woman !
With a handsome husband think they are still together
So bravo
November 1, 2015
With the increased awareness and social acceptance our community enjoys in todays society, it’s easy to forget that things weren’t always this way. Much of the freedom and acceptance we enjoy has been hard fought and built on the lessons from the lives of role models who have not just had the courage and determination to be themselves, but also to stand up, broadcast and campaign for the moral rights and justice of a largely hidden community.
Caroline Cossey is one such person and “My Story” is the wonderfully written, emotional and uplifting account of her living in the face of considerable adversity. It’s a compelling read, which has recently been re-imagined as an audio-book, brought to life by Katherine Fenton. I bought both versions as part of a deal from the Amazon website, never regretting it for a moment and returning to them often.
Each version of “my story” has a unique special quality. The kindle version is beautifully written, an honest and open account of Caroline’s experience growing up transgender. The Audible version, skilfully read as it is, adds a richness of emotions, which draws you into her most desperate of moments as well as the most joyful of highs. Both will leave an impression on you, hopefully inspiring you to find the same courage and determination of this rare woman, leading to you finding the same belief in yourself.
“My Story” falls neatly into three sections, the first tells of Caroline’s early years growing up and her first tentative steps leading to her transition. The second, tells of the battle for acceptance and the utterly despicable treatment of her by the tabloid press and now defunct “news of the world”. The third, a chapter in it’s own right, tells of her battle with the UK and European courts for the right to be legally recognised and to marry. Punctuated with the key events and her memories of the time, its an inspiring tale of a woman looking to find acceptance and love. The personal way in which Caroline tells her story makes it a difficult book to put down, I frequently found myself welling up or bawling my eyes out uncontrollably. It’s THAT emotional. The moments where Caroline recounts being outed by the tabloid press, losing her father and having her marriage annulled are so poignant and sad, it’s impossible to not be affected. On the newly released audible version, Katherine reads these parts so so well. its a wonderful way to experience Caroline’s story.
It’s no exaggeration to say this is a landmark autobiography for our community. I can’t imagine what it was like to go through what Caroline did, or how she found the strength of character to come out the other side. But come through it she did, and whether you read the kindle or listen to the audio version, when you come to the end, you’ll be cheering for her and wanting her to be hard at work on the next instalment. Best of all, after reading it, you’ll beaming with pride, knowing that such a generous, loving, genuine person exists. A life and a book which our community should celebrate and a book which I would wholeheartedly and unreservedly recommend. I can only hope one day she gets the credit and place in history she deserves for her life’s achievements.
If you would like to download the audible production – you can click here to be taken to the Audible website.
If you would like to download the Kindle E-book – you can click here to be taken to the Amazon website.
You can also catch a video interview Caroline did with the wonderful people at Transgenderzone by clicking here
Caroline Cossey is one such person and “My Story” is the wonderfully written, emotional and uplifting account of her living in the face of considerable adversity. It’s a compelling read, which has recently been re-imagined as an audio-book, brought to life by Katherine Fenton. I bought both versions as part of a deal from the Amazon website, never regretting it for a moment and returning to them often.
Each version of “my story” has a unique special quality. The kindle version is beautifully written, an honest and open account of Caroline’s experience growing up transgender. The Audible version, skilfully read as it is, adds a richness of emotions, which draws you into her most desperate of moments as well as the most joyful of highs. Both will leave an impression on you, hopefully inspiring you to find the same courage and determination of this rare woman, leading to you finding the same belief in yourself.
“My Story” falls neatly into three sections, the first tells of Caroline’s early years growing up and her first tentative steps leading to her transition. The second, tells of the battle for acceptance and the utterly despicable treatment of her by the tabloid press and now defunct “news of the world”. The third, a chapter in it’s own right, tells of her battle with the UK and European courts for the right to be legally recognised and to marry. Punctuated with the key events and her memories of the time, its an inspiring tale of a woman looking to find acceptance and love. The personal way in which Caroline tells her story makes it a difficult book to put down, I frequently found myself welling up or bawling my eyes out uncontrollably. It’s THAT emotional. The moments where Caroline recounts being outed by the tabloid press, losing her father and having her marriage annulled are so poignant and sad, it’s impossible to not be affected. On the newly released audible version, Katherine reads these parts so so well. its a wonderful way to experience Caroline’s story.
It’s no exaggeration to say this is a landmark autobiography for our community. I can’t imagine what it was like to go through what Caroline did, or how she found the strength of character to come out the other side. But come through it she did, and whether you read the kindle or listen to the audio version, when you come to the end, you’ll be cheering for her and wanting her to be hard at work on the next instalment. Best of all, after reading it, you’ll beaming with pride, knowing that such a generous, loving, genuine person exists. A life and a book which our community should celebrate and a book which I would wholeheartedly and unreservedly recommend. I can only hope one day she gets the credit and place in history she deserves for her life’s achievements.
If you would like to download the audible production – you can click here to be taken to the Audible website.
If you would like to download the Kindle E-book – you can click here to be taken to the Amazon website.
You can also catch a video interview Caroline did with the wonderful people at Transgenderzone by clicking here
May 16, 2016
An interesting autobiography. She reinforces the narrative that transsexuals are never trying to hide anything, yet the first feel themselves to be a particular gender which doesn't match their body. If they choose to undergo gender reassignment surgery, that they want to be accepted as their sex. Her first book was titled, "I am a woman." Yet, they don't want to be too open as they wanted to be loved as the gender they've felt they were, even before any surgery, and don't want to be a curiosity. And, while her story many takes place many decades ago, and we've seen some legal changes, much of the discrimination and misinformation is still quite present. It's sad that she was making quite a career in the public eye, but the tabloid media kept sweeping in to complicate her life. She seems like an interesting woman, and it is heartening to read of her relationship with her family. I know that kind of relationship isn't true for all transgendered. I found the book to be quite well done. The breakup stories were always heart wrenching.
March 2, 2017
First I've read about Caroline in one of my father's magazines.
The article gave me a lot of answers, that our narrow-minded Slavic society didn't dare to give me.
I've been waiting for years to read that book! It was one of my most wanted to read... Thanks to Amazon and their Kindle device, Caroline's initiative to re-published it as e-book, my dream comes true.
The article gave me a lot of answers, that our narrow-minded Slavic society didn't dare to give me.
I've been waiting for years to read that book! It was one of my most wanted to read... Thanks to Amazon and their Kindle device, Caroline's initiative to re-published it as e-book, my dream comes true.
May 26, 2013
Ms. Cossey's autobiography is one of deep strength and perseverance. Her courageous story is a must read for it's raw beauty of honesty. I couldn't put it down until the very last dot (period) on the very last page! ;)
August 25, 2015
A brave and moving autobiography by Caroline Cossey as she charts her troubled adolescence and young adulthood through to the courageous decision to undergo a sex change and the implications for her family.
May 12, 2013
A book that everyone must read!
It's not only for trangenders or gays...Tula is a phenomenon!!
It's not only for trangenders or gays...Tula is a phenomenon!!
August 20, 2015
Amazing read and very well written. Love this woman's fighting spirit when the odds are stacked against her! Just hope she gets her happy ever after she so richly deserves!
January 7, 2016
I was curious about her story after the Bruce Jenner/Caitlyn story.
December 1, 2016
An interesting read about her life.
I would recommend for all trans people. I found it informative about how trying it was at that period of time for a trans person.
I would recommend for all trans people. I found it informative about how trying it was at that period of time for a trans person.
November 11, 2018
Gripping read. An fascinating story of an exceptional woman who found herself despite attempts to take away her identity and those she loved.
September 4, 2024
Caroline's story resonates so deeply with me and helped pave the way for trans women like myself doing the same now.
August 28, 2022
A must read. That’s it, read it and you’ll understand why!
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews