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The Conversation
The Conversation
Noah Riseman, Professor in History, Australian Catholic University

Friday essay: 'I hope eventually to become a woman' – trans life in Australia from the 1940s to 1970s

Australia Truth RSM World War II Police
Trove

Readers are advised that this essay contains historical terms which are now generally considered outdated and offensive.

In December 1952, former American GI Christine Jorgensen made global news after undergoing gender affirmation surgery in Copenhagen. Australian newspapers showed great interest, with headlines like “Man Converted to Woman by Danish Doctors”, “Man Becomes Woman and ‘She Is Glad’”, and “‘Converted’ Girl Hopes to Marry”.

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