Dancing the Dialectic: True Tales of A Transgender Trailblazer

by Rupert Raj

RUPERT RAJ is a trailblazing, Eurasian-Canadian, trans activist and ex-psychotherapist, who transitioned from female to male in 1971 as a transsexual teenager.

“Dancing the dialectic” between gender dysphoria and gender euphoria, cynical despair and realistic hope, righteous rage and loving kindness, Rupert relates his lifelong fight for the rights of transgender, intersex, and two-spirit people in Canada and the USA since the 1970s. He also portrays his later-life role as an eco-activist and animal liberationist working to free Mother Earth’s enslaved farmed animals and expand the circle of compassion, as exemplified by ecofeminism, environmentally-engaged Buddhism, and Native spirituality.

Raj’s intersectional identity evolves from Dialectical Dancer (existential philosopher/psychologist) to Gender Worker (trans/intersex/two-spirit activist) to Therapeutic Healer & Teacher (psychotherapist/ gender consultant/trainer) to Rainbow Warrior (eco-activist/animal liberationist).

He is (co-)editor of Trans Activism in Canada: A Reader and Of Souls & Roles, Of Sex & Gender: A Treasury of Transsexual, Transgenderist &Transvestic Verse from 1967 to 1991.

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Genres: Nonfiction, LGBT, Memoir, Transgender, Queer

364 pages, Paperback

First published August 15, 2017

Reviews

[Os Keyes · Rating 5 out of 5]

At this point I've read pretty much every trans autobiography published between 1955 and the present - and of all of them, Rupert's is undoubtedly my favourite. "Dancing the Dialectic" combines a poetic approach to prose with a genuine attention to detail, and does so smoothly enough to lead the reader through fifty years of narrative that shifts between trans activism, animal rights campaigning and therapeutic musings, all without missing a step. This is a must-read for any writer looking for inspiration, or any reader looking for alternatingly joyous and acerbically witty recollections of a trailblazing figure at multiple, vital points in trans history.

[William C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolute must-read for anyone interested in the history and lived experiences of the trans community. Rupert Raj has a truly unique life experience from an Ontario childhood with his Polish-South Asian family, to the tragic loss of his parents at a young age, teenage transition in the 1970s, and many years of trans activism in Canada and globally. Raj’s book also gives a rare look into the trans community in the 1970s and 1980s and an even more rare look into the trans male community of the time. With stories, photographs, letter excerpts, and more, Raj allows the reader to gain a deeper understanding of trans history and the people behind the activism.

[Elio Colavito · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’re looking for a compelling and detailed autobiography about the trans past, look no further than “Dancing the Dialectic: True Tales of A Transgender Trailblazer.” Raj doesn’t miss a beat in this book, weaving astonishing recollections from 50 years of his life with hard-to-put-down prose. His explorations of trans life and activism in the 70s and 80s are incredible! At its best, trans history is as life-giving as it is preserving, and this book certainly hits the mark. I left this book with both a deeper understanding of the global trans past and the inspiration to persevere. This is a must-read!

[Noam Gonick · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must-read into the ever-expanding world of gender diversity! Eurasian-Canadian, Pansexual Trans Elder RUPERT RAJ shares his “transjectory” from 1952 to 2020, from his gender transition as a teenager in Ottawa, to his 50+ years of worldwide trans activism and community-building. This expanded edition shares the spotlight with other transgender, gender non-binary, intersex, Two-Spirit and Hijra worldwide with a bonus intersectional bibliography.

[Erik · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book helped me accept myself. Raj’s insight has helped me see being trans in a new light.

[Flungoutofspace (Chris) · Rating 5 out of 5]

An invaluable account of Canadian and international trans activism and networking from a legendary elder, complemented by a vast amount of resources. You need to read this if you’ve got any interest in the foundations of modern trans organizing!