Munroe Bergdorf Launches New Book 'Transitional'
Model, writer and trans activist Munroe Bergdorf launches book 'Transitional', drawing a line under the 'chaos of her youth'.
Model, writer and trans activist Munroe Bergdorf launches book 'Transitional', drawing a line under the 'chaos of her youth'.
'It's been the most brutal form of therapy I can fathom', model, writer and trans activist Munroe Bergdorf told The Guardian last week of her new memoir Transitional. Available to buy as of today, it hasn't been an easy journey to success, and neither - according to Bergdorf - was writing the book, not least because her story, in parts, is deeply painful, but there's also so much to it. At 35, you may wonder if Bergdorf's young age even qualifies to write a memoir filled with anecdotes and stories from her life; however, if you look at the current debate about transgender rights, her story couldn't be more poignant today.
In the latest census for England and Wales, it was reported only 0.2% of the population identified as transgender, which, in turn, has caused quite the schism between Scotland and the rest of the UK. The Scottish government's gender recognition reform bill - making it easier for people to transition - has torn apart parliament, leading to many people thinking they're entitled to weigh in their - often problematic - thoughts on the situation. As for trans people themselves? Remarkably little has been heard.
The book itself is a piece of activism, offering hope to all queer youths. For those who may be going through the same struggles Bergdorf once did, Transitional whispers 'it's okay, I hear you' to all who need to be heard. Noted by The Guardian as 'a clever, moving book that packs a lot into its 194 pages', this story may cover Bergdorf's own transition from male to female, but it also stretches beyond that, 'In One Way or Another, We All Transition' states the rest of the publication's title meaning this is about the evolving of humanity, whether it be culturally, politically, financially, intellectually or socially. Bergdorf's been through it all; now it's time for her to speak about it.