Real Man Adventures

Full disclosure, I read this as part of a Queer Studies class, so I read it as an assignment with the intent to discuss it there. So.
I personally appreciate T. Cooper's open delivery while keeping as much of his life private as he can. Of course the content of some of the interviews concerned me, I always wonder why people feel the need to explain someone else's gender identity to people they may or may not meet. This came out mainly with the parents, who were so positive overall (I understand that it is far more complicated to interview parents that disowned their transgender children especially for a memoir that centers on the author's transition) when I just wanted to hear from a parent that is a queer ally unless it's their own kid. show more That was just a little selfish thought I kept having as more of the parent interviews came up.
I respect and admire the self awareness needed to know what he needed to leave out of the book. I went in without expectations, but the Sex Chapter was such a delight, even having felt that I got used to Cooper's writing style, he still managed to surprise me. His use of fun deflections from topics he didn't want to share on delivered a clear message: it's none of our business.
This was such a fun, occasionally gut twisting, opportunity to hear largely unfiltered discussion of trans lives and environments on Cooper's terms. Having books like this to recommend must take the weight off of every visible trans person's back to explain to strangers their gender and fears, and it fueled one of the most productive discussions my class has had all semester. show less