"As a person who loves books, but hardly finds the time to sit down and actually read them anymore, audiobooks have been such a blessing! I chose this collection of five titles because each one of them shares a strong connection or has served as a source of inspiration for my memoir, Nobody Needs to Know. Woven throughout are themes of trauma, resilience, healing, empathy, shifting perspectives, identity, disability, myths, and challenging societal stigmas. Many of these themes also show up in my book as well. Please enjoy this list of authors and books that are near and dear to my intersex heart." —Pidgeon Pagonis
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The convergence of Oprah Winfrey and Dr. Bruce D. Perry in my life has been profound. An appearance on Oprah's show shifted my perspective, while Dr. Perry's book on trauma resonated deeply. His theories brought understanding and compassion, allowing me to embark on a transformative journey of self-discovery and healing. Their influence has shaped who I am today, driving me to advocate for others and create positive change.
Kenny, my collaborator in the writing of my book, holds a special place in my heart. His presence and contributions have been invaluable, and I have immense admiration and affection for him. Kenny's writing prowess is truly remarkable. His fearlessness in confronting the truth, coupled with his empathetic approach, sets him apart. The captivating dialogues he crafted for himself and his family in his book are nothing short of spectacular, leaving a lasting impression of the characters in my heart and mind.
Riva Lehrer's Golem Girl left me truly stunned, and inspired, by its exquisite storytelling. Through her powerful memoir, Riva bravely shares her personal journey as an artist with spina bifida, challenging societal perceptions of disability while exploring themes of identity, resilience, and the transformative power of art. It is a captivating and thought-provoking read that resonates deeply, reminding us of the beauty and strength found within the complexities of the human experience.
This novel from a dear friend and role model captivated my heart from start to finish. With exquisite storytelling and raw emotion, the book delves into the complexities of sisterhood, culture, and personal growth. Fatimah's words painted vivid portraits of characters whose journeys left a lasting impact on my soul, reminding me of the profound power of literature to connect us and ignite our own self-discovery.
Listening to my friend Rachel’s book Vagina Obscura was an incredible experience that left me inspired and enlightened. Through intimate storytelling and fearless exploration, the book looks at sexuality, gender, and identity. The final chapter, which delves into intersex issues, resonated deeply with me, as it brought our personal connection full circle and shed light on an often misunderstood aspect of human diversity.
About Pidgeon
Pidgeon Pagonis is an activist on behalf of intersex and marginalized people. They have advanced youth advocacy with interACT, launched an intersex YouTube channel, written for Everyday Feminism, cofounded the Intersex Justice Project (IJP) and the #EndIntersexSurgery campaign, and introduced the intersex and nonbinary clothing line Too Cute to Be Binary. They’ve created two short documentaries, The Son I Never Had, which premiered at Outfest, and A Normal Girl, which screened at the American Pavilion at the Cannes Film Festival; appeared on the cover of National Geographic’s “Gender Revolution” special issue; and been honored as an LGBT Champion of Change by the Obama White House. They are currently documenting intersex people of color for Physical Record, a new photo series subsidized by Astraea’s Intersex Human Rights Fund. For more information visit www.pid.ge.