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milestogo

(17,564 posts)
Fri Dec 2, 2022, 02:16 PM Dec 2022

Who remembers Christine Jorgensen?

Last edited Fri Dec 2, 2022, 11:17 PM - Edit history (1)

I watched a movie about her life/transition last night on Amazon Prime (The Christine Jorgensen Story). The movie was made in 1970, and the simplifications made in the film reflect that. But its still an amazing story.

She was the first person who made a surgical transition from male to female. She was American, but the surgery was done in Denmark. The Scandinavians were socially and scientifically way ahead of the Americans on this issue.

I was a child, but I remember hearing the jokes and the ridicule when her transition was made public. But she was amazing in the way she handled it all.

I couldn't help but think of all the people who have needed this surgery but never had it, and of all the pain caused by societies that refused to accept them.

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Who remembers Christine Jorgensen? (Original Post) milestogo Dec 2022 OP
I remember, too. Joinfortmill Dec 2022 #1
She spoke at my college in PA back in 1971/1972. The auditorium livetohike Dec 2022 #2
I heard her speak at my college in WV at about the same time. Staph Dec 2022 #9
i read her autobiography, barbtries Dec 2022 #3
I read it also! ShazzieB Dec 2022 #10
I was 18 at the time and remember being more curious about the widely published story Chainfire Dec 2022 #4
there is a gore vidal novel on a similar subject rampartc Dec 2022 #5
Most certainly do! EOM Scottie Mom Dec 2022 #6
I remember her. She was brave. SharonClark Dec 2022 #7
I remember yankee87 Dec 2022 #8

livetohike

(22,893 posts)
2. She spoke at my college in PA back in 1971/1972. The auditorium
Fri Dec 2, 2022, 02:21 PM
Dec 2022

was standing room only. I remember feeling sorry for her and thinking that she was very brave to have the surgery. She was a good speaker. Gosh that was so long ago.

Staph

(6,340 posts)
9. I heard her speak at my college in WV at about the same time.
Fri Dec 2, 2022, 07:03 PM
Dec 2022

Also standing room only!

I had forgotten about that. It was a fascinating introduction to a wider world for a naïve kid from a small town in West Virginia.


barbtries

(29,735 posts)
3. i read her autobiography,
Fri Dec 2, 2022, 02:39 PM
Dec 2022

oh it was years and years ago. I think i saw the movie as well but i'll check it out in case. Yes, I remember her.

ShazzieB

(18,537 posts)
10. I read it also!
Sat Dec 3, 2022, 02:18 AM
Dec 2022

Years and years ago, in my case, too. It was fascinating.

I haven't seen the movie (this is the first I've heard of it), but I'll definitely check it out.

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