“Life Beyond My Body: A Transgender Journey to Manhood in China”
Lei Ming & Lura Frazey
Transgress Press, 2016, 192 Pages

At A Glance: “Life Beyond My Body” is a poignant memoir of Lei Ming’s journey from a neglected childhood in rural China to his transition and search for identity as a transgender man, navigating challenges within society, relationships, the healthcare system, and personal faith.

Overview: “Life Beyond My Body: A Transgender Journey to Manhood in China” by Lei Ming and Lura Frazey narrates the true story of Lei Ming, born in a rural Chinese village and assigned female at birth. Ming’s challenging journey involves coping with loneliness, abuse, and a deep internal struggle, leading him to secretly seek relief and answers in a society reluctant to discuss transgender identities.

Ming’s path takes him through varied experiences including finding both comfort and judgment in the Christian church, loving and losing a woman, clandestinely using black market testosterone, enduring imprisonment due to his identity, and undergoing top surgery discreetly. His journey is not just about physical transition but also a profound spiritual and personal exploration to understand the true essence of manhood, including a pivotal reckoning with God.

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