If you’re curious about what trans men think about their junk in the context of gender transition, you’ll definitely want to pick up a copy of Below the Belt: Genital Talk by Men of Trans Experience.
Published this past April by Transgress Press, Below the Belt offers a wealth of intimate first-person essays about sex, penis pumping, surgery, pregnancy, menstruation, health decline and more. While it’s a distinct offering from its predecessor, Hung Jury: Testimonies of Genital Surgery by Transsexual Men, Below the Belt continues the important dialogue about gender identity and genitals, providing trans men and our friends and loved ones with deep insight into this aspect of our journeys to manhood.
Edited by Trystan T. Cotten, Below the Belt features essays written by 25 trans men from across the United States and Canada, including C. Michael Woodward, Basil Soper and Mitch Kellaway. While the essays are about genital issues, these testimonies have a much greater scope, exploring questions about masculinity, heteronormativity, body dysphoria and more, delivered with vulnerability and in some cases, a good dose of wit.
Some of the most powerful essays discuss issues that are often shied away from in trans male circles, such as embracing vaginas as masculine, trans men giving birth, and post-operative health issues. For a community so small, these discussions are essential to a better understanding of our diversity and our health care needs.
Partner perspectives are shared in six essays, and while these will be treasured by many it should be noted that gay couples are not represented.
Like Hung Jury, Below the Belt is a critical and cutting-edge collection of trans male voices that has been expertly curated to appeal to trans men as well as our partners, friends, families and health care providers. If you’re looking to expand your trans library, and support a groundbreaking publisher while you’re at it, get a copy of Below the Belt on your book shelf.
Below the Belt: Genital Talk by Men of Trans Experience can be purchased online at Amazon, as well as directly from the publisher, Transgress Press.
