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parenthesis_enjoyer's review
5.0
Graphic: Body shaming, Bullying, Death, Misogyny, Panic attacks/disorders, Racial slurs, Racism, Sexism, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Transphobia, Xenophobia, Medical content, Grief, Religious bigotry, Death of parent, Outing, Sexual harassment, and Dysphoria
Moderate: Child abuse, Homophobia, Physical abuse, and Classism
Minor: Alcoholism, Drug abuse, Suicidal thoughts, Alcohol, and Colonisation
bisexualbookshelf's review against another edition
5.0
Moderate: Bullying, Transphobia, and Death of parent
Minor: Alcoholism, Domestic abuse, Drug use, Mental illness, Sexual content, and Alcohol
tokki_reads's review against another edition
4.5
Graphic: Sexual content and Transphobia
Moderate: Drug abuse and Alcohol
amberinpieces's review
4.0
Minor: Body shaming, Bullying, Homophobia, Misogyny, Panic attacks/disorders, Racism, Sexism, Sexual content, Transphobia, Vomit, Medical content, Grief, Death of parent, Lesbophobia, and Alcohol
ohyeah_karyn's review against another edition
5.0
Graphic: Alcoholism, Cursing, Death, Drug use, Homophobia, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexual content, Transphobia, Grief, Abortion, Death of parent, Outing, Abandonment, Alcohol, and Colonisation
bookishmillennial's review against another edition
This memoir is short and reads as conversational but so well written & I loved Geena’s voice 🩷
Beyond the layered representation we get of Geena’s trans, Filipino & immigrant identities, she also graciously dives into so much more!
Geena touches on religion, colonization, sexuality & orgasms post-surgery, the modeling industry, her body’s response to the suppression she was putting it through, colourism, pageantry, acceptance & affirmation from her parents, and more! I especially enjoyed the way she ruminated on her religion, & sought information on pre-colonial Filipino spirituality. Geena presented the information with curiosity, enthusiasm, & reverence.
I adored this memoir -which is told in a mostly linear fashion, which makes sense for her story- and I thank Geena for her transparency and generosity in sharing this story with us. She describes so many instances of anxiety, stress, & dread as she spent nine years “in the closet” as a trans woman in America during her modeling career. She saw the way past trans models’ careers tanked after they were outed, & she was terrified that at any point, it could be her turn. Yet, she also dissociated by thinking, “it won’t happen to me” or at least, “not yet.” Her body had other plans, which led her to an epiphany of “I must honor my _______” (not trying to spoil it for you haha). I was so proud of the journey that led her to her TED Talk in March 2014.
Another thing I was intrigued by were the ways she discussed the differences in American societal attitudes in 2005, compared to 2014, contrasted with today’s climate. I recognize it’s a dark time in America with book bans, policy continually taking away rights from trans folks, or actively perpetuating harm towards the trans community. However, during these times especially, I think we need to center trans joy too, to show it’s possible, and to remind people that their stories are still being written, and they deserve to be told!
Geena gave us a nuanced memoir full of her own internalized biases, beautiful childhood memories, & so much gratitude & hope.
Graphic: Bullying and Transphobia
Moderate: Drug use, Sexual content, Death of parent, Alcohol, and Dysphoria
caseythereader's review against another edition
4.5
- HORSE BARBIE is such a unique memoir. It's the (unfortunately) rare trans narrative that is full of joy and hope. You can hear Rocero's energy and enthusiasm for her passions and for building the best life for herself (and literally hear it, if you read the audiobook!)
- There is a lot of tough stuff in this book, though. Rocero doesn't fully escape transphobia and misogyny, and the complete reversal of how she is accepted culturally and legally between the Philippines and the U.S. is a lot to swallow. Rocero explores it all with sharp analysis and deep tenderness.
Graphic: Bullying, Cursing, Racism, Sexual content, Transphobia, Medical content, Death of parent, Alcohol, and Colonisation
Moderate: Dysphoria
Minor: Drug use
erickaonpaper's review against another edition
Moderate: Death of parent and Alcohol
Minor: Transphobia