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new book by australian transsexual
From Time Out Sydney:
The Real Possibility of Joy
Josephine Emery wants to tell the world what it’s like to live as a transsexual
Josephine Emery recalls feeling alone and isolated growing up as ‘John’ in rural South Australia. Her deeply personal memoir The Real Possibility of Joy retraces living through school, marriage, parenthood, and making the decision that led to a series of major medical procedures. She tells Time Out about her life to today.
What made you want to share your story?
I just wanted to show the world what it takes to live as a transsexual, that we are humans, and you should treat us with a bit of respect.
Did you find it difficult to write?
In some ways it was a very easy book to write. I’ve published four other novels and written half a dozen films, but at least with this story I knew where it was going. I knew the main character very well!
You were 58 years old when you opted for the surgery. Why so late in life?
The times within which I grew up – we’re talking the 50s and 60s – no one understood what this was. I was always told that my problem was that I was afraid to be a man, but actually I was afraid to be a woman. I had a family and children. It wasn’t really until I was divorced that I began to accept my transgender status and the sort of person I was.
Do you face negative perceptions in day-to-day life?
I have faced and still do face that sort of knee-jerk reaction. The book is very much about saying who we are; it’s the same as everyone else.
What do you think is the source of transphobia?
It’s a very deep-rooted fear, very similar to gay bashing. There is some deep fear or deep uncertainty in themselves that’s been touched and the only way to react is to try and destroy the thing that they fear.
Is life becoming easier for trans-people in Australia?
I do think life is getting better and better for us all the time. People no longer typecast us as strippers and hookers. Especially in Sydney, we are open and accepted.
How do you feel, six years on?
I feel fantastic. Going through this process pushes you so far beyond what you thought your limits of endurance were. You discover how much resilience and creativity you have. I’ve never questioned it. Tomas Ganderton
The Real Possibility of Joy by Josephine Emery is published by Random House, RRP$34.95.
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2 Replies
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Hey V
Thanks for posting this, sounds like an interesting read.
Also its great timing as I’ve finished all the books I’ve been reading and was looking for the next book to inspire and carry me forward, looks like you found it for me
Thanks again
Amy
XxPS – Make sure you post some wonderful literature and learning’s from your adventures at the Orlando GBLT conference next week – have fun!!
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Yes I agree, thanks heaps for telling us about this book Virginia. I now have three on my list to get so that’s the “hatrick”! I need to get reading.
Peta A.
