- Hardcover
- Publisher: Cleis Pr (Nov 1996)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 1573440639
- ISBN-13: 978-1573440639
- Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
- See Complete Table of Contents
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
Format:Paperback
Although Loren Cameron's book is subtitled "Transsexual Portraits" the subjects are all transsexual men. It begins with two sections of self-portraits, which while visually arresting were for me the least interesting part of the book - but i suppose that's because i came to it longing to see and hear the stories of other trans men, not to admire their muscle tone.
The next chapter i loved. It pairs a photo of a trans man with a short paragraph in which he talks about masculinity and transitioning, with subjects ranging from a rabbi to a bartender at a gay bar. Later on in the book there are other variations on this theme: one section presents a series of portraits of men next to a short description of who they are, another shows us before and after pictures of a small group of brave individuals. These include James Green, the famous activist. It's hard to describe how deeply these portraits affected me when i first bought the book. At that time it was more difficult to find or meet other trans men and the Web was still only really in its infancy. To see photo after photo of handsome, successful men was a marvellous thing!
There is also a chapter of surgical photographs. This was enlightening to me in quite a different way, as up until then i had never seen any results of lower surgery. The only criticism i would make of those pictures - looking at them again with the hindsight of someone who's had the surgery - is that they are too beautiful. They obscure the difficulties of the surgery: the scarring, often imperfect results and the long period of healing.
Finally, the book ends with a series of photos of Loren Cameron and his partner. We are back to self-portraits again. These are more interesting however because they are about a relationship - and more than that, about a relationship which challenged the assumptions (which still existed then) that every trans man wants to end up with a traditionally feminine woman.
In summary: great photos, poignant stories and a snapshot of FTM (female-to-male) history.
The next chapter i loved. It pairs a photo of a trans man with a short paragraph in which he talks about masculinity and transitioning, with subjects ranging from a rabbi to a bartender at a gay bar. Later on in the book there are other variations on this theme: one section presents a series of portraits of men next to a short description of who they are, another shows us before and after pictures of a small group of brave individuals. These include James Green, the famous activist. It's hard to describe how deeply these portraits affected me when i first bought the book. At that time it was more difficult to find or meet other trans men and the Web was still only really in its infancy. To see photo after photo of handsome, successful men was a marvellous thing!
There is also a chapter of surgical photographs. This was enlightening to me in quite a different way, as up until then i had never seen any results of lower surgery. The only criticism i would make of those pictures - looking at them again with the hindsight of someone who's had the surgery - is that they are too beautiful. They obscure the difficulties of the surgery: the scarring, often imperfect results and the long period of healing.
Finally, the book ends with a series of photos of Loren Cameron and his partner. We are back to self-portraits again. These are more interesting however because they are about a relationship - and more than that, about a relationship which challenged the assumptions (which still existed then) that every trans man wants to end up with a traditionally feminine woman.
In summary: great photos, poignant stories and a snapshot of FTM (female-to-male) history.
Format:Paperback
The amount of information laden in the stirring, inspiring images of Loren Cameron's book is astounding. It is a book you'll come back to over and over again. Each viewing will reveal new facets of the subjects photographed and interviewed for this book. It is the best of its type ever published.
Most Helpful Customer Reviews on Amazon.com (beta)
Amazon.com:
18 reviews
11 of 11 people found the following review helpful
Empowering
12 Nov 2002
Format:Paperback
This book was one of the greatest gifts I have ever gotten myself. When I finished reading and looking at the beautiful photographs, I hugged the book to my chest.
This book not only told me thru writings but also showed me that I wasn't alone. This book meant the world to me as a bigendered female. I had only read about others transgender people, but had never seen anyone besides myself.
Thank you Mr.Cameron. :)
I recomend this book to anyone dealing with transgender issues- whether they be trans themself, a realtive or friend of a trans person, or just plain curious.
This book not only told me thru writings but also showed me that I wasn't alone. This book meant the world to me as a bigendered female. I had only read about others transgender people, but had never seen anyone besides myself.
Thank you Mr.Cameron. :)
I recomend this book to anyone dealing with transgender issues- whether they be trans themself, a realtive or friend of a trans person, or just plain curious.
10 of 10 people found the following review helpful
Must-Have for Young FTMs
24 Sep 1999
Format:Paperback
Young isolated FTM guys... BUY THIS BOOK. The before and after portraits of the guys will comfort and inspire you like nothing else will. Transitioning can be done... There are others like you... and they look great!
9 of 9 people found the following review helpful
Dreams can Come True
21 Dec 1999
Format:Paperback
I purchased this book as a gift for a f2M friend of mine who drew a LOT of hope from it. Loren's camera and words have a strong impact. Understanding one's self, our true nature, is vital. Body Alchemy is a valuable lesson in that.
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