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More Than Just A Flag
More That Just A Flag is the autobiography of Trans Flag creator, trans activist and Navy veteran, Monica F. Helms. Monica’s book details the major events of her life, from childhood through to the book’s publication in 2019. Included are her service in the U.S. Navy as a submariner, and her personal journey to discovering her true self as a trans woman, including the subsequent battles she fought with her civilian employer, Sprint. Helms recalls her creation of the Transgender Pride Flag in 1999, and her donation of the original to the Smithsonian in 2014. Monica details her founding of the Transgender American Veterans Association (TAVA) in 2003, where she went on to serve as president for ten years. Along with numerous other examples of her trans activism, including holding Atlanta’s first TDOR event in 2000, Helms recounts lobbying state legislators in Arizona and Georgia, as well as in D.C., and being elected a delegate to the 2004 Democratic National Convention. At times, funny, at others, necessarily sad, More Than Just A Flag is the story of a leader in the fight for transgender acceptance, at a time when the trans community was just coalescing and finding its voice.
240 pages, Paperback
First published March 18, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
February 28, 2021
In this autobiography (memoir) Monica Helms tells the story of her life up to being 67. Her claim to fame, or her main claim, is that she design the trans pride flag back in 1999. The original is at the Smithsonian, still waiting to be displayed. Wouldn’t it be nice if this would happen before she dies; I see no reason she won’t continue to have many more years for this to occur.
But, in the book she describes her large contribution to trans* activism. She was integral in a good many positive movements for change. This includes better care for trans* veterans at the VA. She work hard to get the Human Rights Council (HRC) to be more inclusive of trans* rights as they are a rights group for the LGBT community (originally the T was not included at all). HRC continually backtracked in including trans* persons in the The Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA).† She was also very active with Pride events, and the Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR).
She also covers much of her personal life. This includes her life in the Navy as a submariner, marriage, and having two sons. Much to my dislike is her portrayal in the book of her many failed love affairs. Did I really need to know everyone. Yes, it was a part of her life, but I would think it to be more private. Still she is the author and has control over what she wants to write. A major point in her transition included negotiating out of her marriage. Okay, a bit of a spoiler, she does end the book happily married to another transgender woman. She also described her love of model rockets, and her work experience, including her many years at Sprint. She advocated there too.
I will not be making my usual comments for the book. The most strongly felt are from the afterwards not even written by Monica. So I resist the temptation to comment on this part of the book.
It is definitely a worthwhile read, as it portrays in the author’s own eyes a full life of a remarkable transgender person. Still, I was not thrilled with Ms. Helms style, so I am only giving it 3 stars.
† Recently reintroduced in the House of Representatives with the inclusion of the trans* population. If the Senate takes it up (likely), with the democratic majority (by the hair of our teeth, Vice President Harris has the tie breaking vote.) I do not know if all democrats will support this bill though.
But, in the book she describes her large contribution to trans* activism. She was integral in a good many positive movements for change. This includes better care for trans* veterans at the VA. She work hard to get the Human Rights Council (HRC) to be more inclusive of trans* rights as they are a rights group for the LGBT community (originally the T was not included at all). HRC continually backtracked in including trans* persons in the The Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA).† She was also very active with Pride events, and the Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR).
She also covers much of her personal life. This includes her life in the Navy as a submariner, marriage, and having two sons. Much to my dislike is her portrayal in the book of her many failed love affairs. Did I really need to know everyone. Yes, it was a part of her life, but I would think it to be more private. Still she is the author and has control over what she wants to write. A major point in her transition included negotiating out of her marriage. Okay, a bit of a spoiler, she does end the book happily married to another transgender woman. She also described her love of model rockets, and her work experience, including her many years at Sprint. She advocated there too.
I will not be making my usual comments for the book. The most strongly felt are from the afterwards not even written by Monica. So I resist the temptation to comment on this part of the book.
It is definitely a worthwhile read, as it portrays in the author’s own eyes a full life of a remarkable transgender person. Still, I was not thrilled with Ms. Helms style, so I am only giving it 3 stars.
† Recently reintroduced in the House of Representatives with the inclusion of the trans* population. If the Senate takes it up (likely), with the democratic majority (by the hair of our teeth, Vice President Harris has the tie breaking vote.) I do not know if all democrats will support this bill though.
November 1, 2020
First I should give the disclaimer that I have had the privilege of calling Monica my friend for several years. This book is an intimate look at the life up to now of someone who has done more in one lifetime than some might where they given several.
The book is a well written narrative and easily held my interest all the way through. Before reading the book, I knew some bits and pieces of the story but only parts. The writing style and open and frank discussion is quite compelling.
Growing up and as a young adult, Monica, like too many transgender people of her generation, didn't have visible transgender role models, access to a fully supportive community, or even exposure to the language to describe and understand herself. This is clear in many of the stories in the book. There is no doubt in my mind that she has made a huge difference in the quality of life, and quite possibly the existence of life, for many people not just in her generation but certainly younger generations. These differences come partly from her long history of activism as an advocate for workers, an advocate for transgender veterans, and advocate for transgender people who aren't veterans. But also she has made, and continues to make, a big difference by simply being herself ; A real person, with joys and heartaches, who loves her family and friends, who takes joy in learning new things and in pursuing new vocations and hobbies. When a youth or adult struggling with their own gender identity, or perhaps coming to terms with a loved ones identity or even a co-worker or classmate, has a real life example of someone who is a passionate, caring, and real human being, it makes a difference. After leaving the Navy it is clear that her service to her country and fellow veterans didn't end. It just took a different form. Many people recognize the flag Monica created. A number may know her name as the creator of the flag, but those who know her and know of her tireless efforts know that the book title is true. She is indeed much more than just a flag!
If you haven't read her other books, I can recommend them too.
The book is a well written narrative and easily held my interest all the way through. Before reading the book, I knew some bits and pieces of the story but only parts. The writing style and open and frank discussion is quite compelling.
Growing up and as a young adult, Monica, like too many transgender people of her generation, didn't have visible transgender role models, access to a fully supportive community, or even exposure to the language to describe and understand herself. This is clear in many of the stories in the book. There is no doubt in my mind that she has made a huge difference in the quality of life, and quite possibly the existence of life, for many people not just in her generation but certainly younger generations. These differences come partly from her long history of activism as an advocate for workers, an advocate for transgender veterans, and advocate for transgender people who aren't veterans. But also she has made, and continues to make, a big difference by simply being herself ; A real person, with joys and heartaches, who loves her family and friends, who takes joy in learning new things and in pursuing new vocations and hobbies. When a youth or adult struggling with their own gender identity, or perhaps coming to terms with a loved ones identity or even a co-worker or classmate, has a real life example of someone who is a passionate, caring, and real human being, it makes a difference. After leaving the Navy it is clear that her service to her country and fellow veterans didn't end. It just took a different form. Many people recognize the flag Monica created. A number may know her name as the creator of the flag, but those who know her and know of her tireless efforts know that the book title is true. She is indeed much more than just a flag!
If you haven't read her other books, I can recommend them too.
April 3, 2019
I learned more from this book than anything I've known about her previously. It's very well done and a good read. Thanks, Monica.
Well written and extremely informative. After almost twenty years, I feel that I really know her. It's worth reading. Thanks.
Well written and extremely informative. After almost twenty years, I feel that I really know her. It's worth reading. Thanks.
September 18, 2019
An interesting and informative book. I learned quite a bit about Trans history from the 1970s until now. Yes, she created the Transgender Flag, but this book shares so much more than just that bit of history.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews