Jorgensen’s story is an important one, but we should also pause to recognize the crucial role of whiteness in her rise to fame. Indeed, queer and trans people of color had been defying gender norms long before 1953, only to be obscured by Jorgensen and the norms of white femininity. For more on these previously overlooked stories, check out BLACK ON BOTH SIDES: A Racial History of Trans Identity by Dr. C Riley Snorton (@c.rileysnorton). @alokvmenon also has a recent post on “Black Trans Leaders from History,” which does a wonderful job of summarizing Dr. Snorton’s research. . For more on Jorgensen, see: . Susan Stryler, Transgender History: The Roots of Today's Revolution (New York: Basic Books, 2017). . Joanne Meyerowitz, “Transforming Sex: Christine Jorgensen in the Postwar U.S.,” OAH Magazine of History Vol. 20, No. 2, History of Sexuality (Mar., 2006), pp. 16-20.

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