Womb Man: How I Survived Growing Up in a Booby-Trapped World

by Kristine M. Smith

WOMB How I Survived Growing Up in a Booby-Trapped World When I was 32, I did something that made my father immensely proud. Spontaneously, he proclaimed “That’s my boy!” Immediately realizing his error, he shot a panicked look at me, eyes wide with horror. Equally shocked and catching my breath, I responded, “It’s all right, Dad.” And it really was all right. Because—for the first time in my life—I felt recognized for who I really a remarkable man. We never spoke of it again. But I began to wonder why it had taken Dad 32 years to “get” me. Or had it? Did he know something I didn’t? And if he did, why was he keeping it a secret? Was I born intersex and surgically altered as an infant to meet gender norms (the default solution in the mid 50’s for ambiguously-gendered babies, then called hermaphrodites)? Or am I naturally transgender—a man housed in a female body? There are countless people like me who don’t fit gender norms. Many feel the need to hide who they truly are, to exist without being scolded as strange or feared as foreign. You probably know several of them; they just might not trust you enough to tell you. Something needs to change. I hope my own story helps that happen. “Kris Smith's writing is powerful and funny without being mean; compassionate and courageous without asking for a scrap of pity. This is the transgender life story you want to give your teen and pre-teen, your grandmother, pastor, congressman, barista and school counselor.” - Joy Shayne Laughter, Author, Speaker “Kris’ story gives voice to the complexity of gender assignment and gender identity. A must read for everyone, including those who are secure in their own gender identity. Chances are we all know someone who is struggling and could use support. Kudos to Kris for bravely and openly sharing her personal story.” - Lynda Lien, M.A. Psychology, B.A. Education

81 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 10, 2017

Reviews

[Kay Hawkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5Stars. The only reason I cannot give this 5 stars is because It's only Kirs's story. It's all over the place in time and doesn't feel complete in a lot of spots. BUT I understand that this is Kris getting their story out. It's Kris' story not anyone else's. It's written as if Kris was sitting down and telling you. A very insightful story and marvelously written. Quite short but gets the point across and shows a story of an older trans/intersex person and how they dealt with life. A good story that really connects to the older generation. I will be passing this story on to other friends of mine.

[Dennis Gunnarson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Transformational

I have known Kris for some time and had no idea until a year ago that he was transgender. After interviewing him on the subject I learned he had written on the subject and so searched out to find this book and I am so glad I did. After having a transgender friend of 30+ years in Malaysia live his life as his genitalia dictated and seeing the constant pain he had lived with I was thrilled to finally get an education. Thank you Kris for patiently providing this timely education that is not talked about often enough. Your admirer, Dennis Gunnarson

[Manusa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book! As a Trans Person myself it was really interesting to read the story of a Trans* Person from another century than me and reading how that showed in Kris' life!
I was able to relate to a lot of things while also still learning new things, because everyone has their own story!

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

There should be a copy of this book in every school library: elementary, high school, and college. Highly recommended.