Abstract

Lambda Literary Award Finalist - LGBTQ Anthology

Written by and for trans and non-binary survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault, Written on the Body offers support, guidance and hope for those who struggle to find safety at home, in the body, and other unwelcoming places.

This collection of letters written to body parts weaves together narratives of gender, identity, and abuse. It is the coming together of those who have been fragmented and often met with disbelief. The book holds the concerns and truths that many trans people share while offering space for dialogue and reclamation.

Written with intelligence and intimacy, this book is for those who have found power in re-shaping their bodies, families, and lives.

Becoming your self is the most daring act you will undertake in your lifetime. In some ways it's a bigger deal than being born, because it requires courage, determination, vision and a body that is your own. Written on the Body shows us how beautifully it's being done in the 21st Century and reminds us that the business of becoming your authentic self is never finished
James Lecesne, co-founder of The Trevor Project
As a storytelling organization we are encouraged by projects like Written on the Body. This anthology is in the vanguard of a growing body of storytelling rooted in transgender and non-binary experiences. The acts of writing, reading and sharing these stories has the capacity to build empathy, to heal and to empower more individuals to share their stories as well.
Nathan Manske, Founder of I'm From Driftwood
This work is prayer. It is finding family, clarity and yourself in every page. It is a deep breath. Each story takes you closer to understanding what self-love is and how long the paths to ourselves can be. I am so grateful for this book and to each author that blessed its pages.
Be Steadwell, Queer Pop Musician and Filmmaker
Written on the Body speaks to me as I'm sure it will other readers. It is gives voice and sheds light on a very important subject. One that isn't spoken about very much. Trans and Gender Non-Conforming bodies. People just want us to hide our bodies and not address them. We get this message from the time that we're children and it stays with us. For some of us, it never goes away. These wonderful stories share real life experiences. Experiences that people like me never thought we would be able to share. The shame and humiliation around our own bodies. Hiding and pretending. The assaults, rape and abuse we suffer at the hands of others. Sometimes thinking we deserve this treatment because we don't fit in. Feeling voiceless and powerless. Living our lives for everyone else except ourselves, until we cannot take it anymore. Written on the Body helps break this silence around trans and gender non-conforming people. It helps to empower us and educate others. It's an excellent read and resource, and just good for the soul!
Kylar Broadus, Founder of Trans People of Color Coalition (TPOCC), Transgender Legal Defense & Education Fund (TLDEF)
We are living in a pivotal moment of courage for survivors of sexual abuse to speak out. We see a massive ground swelling of survivors, unified by their stories, speaking up and saying #metoo. This timely collection is no different; it amplifies the voices of those trans and gender non-conforming people forced into silence because of identity shaming. The courage and bravery shared by these silence breakers becomes an invitation for us to become an ally in the work, to untie our bound hands, to lift our fists in unison, to tear the tape off our mouths, to reclaim our lives, and say in unison, #neveragain.
sj Miller, author of Teaching, Affirming, and Recognizing Trans and Gender Creative Youth, series co-editor, Social Justice Across Contexts in Education, series co-editor, Queering Teacher Education Across Contexts
I am humbled by this collection of letters. The authors of this collection are at times unflinching, proud, triumphant, and brutally honest in their truths. Each letter is utterly personal, engaging with the text in this format draws the reader close inside quickly and I enjoyed this process immensely. Reading these letters, and the depths of what is shared within this book, I was struck with the same ideas, truths, and lived experiences that trans people have shared with me after watching FREE CeCe! Everywhere we went with the film. I am glad to see these voices lifted in such an indelible way here.
Jac Gares, Filmmaker, Producer of FREE CeCe

Written on the Body is one of the most honest and intimate portrayals of the emotional landscapes of survivors of sexual violence. This collection of writing is truths building history, a witness to pain, a friend to let you know that you are not alone. The harmony of these trans and non-binary voices that have been silenced for so long invite you to listen.

Cathartic
Honest
Intimate
Free
Histories
Surender
Defense
Wisdom
Pain
Gentle

Mitra Kaboli Senior Producer of The Heart
As trans and non-binary folks, we are often discouraged from advocating for our own bodies, as if we do not know what is best for ourselves. This anthology is filled with such tenderness, resilience and vulnerability; a beautiful love letter to queerness, to otherness, to the power of reclaiming our bodies as our own.
Emmett J. Lundberg, Writer & Filmmaker, Creator of Brothers the series
Written on the Body is a much needed story of violence against transgender and gender nonconforming people that is deeply needed. Not just for the community, but for everyone who wishes to understand the violence that trans people are facing. It's a story for us, by us and this is the space where voices are needed most. Thank you for bring together so many narratives and creating a space for voices to be heard in a world that does not validate the experiences of trans folk.
KT Richardson, Sexual and Domestic Violence Prevention Worker
Written on the Body beautifully paints the picture of what happens to people of trans experience when it comes to sexual assault and violence. This book provides the opportunity to tell our stories on a way that is our own, because these are our experiences. It is a way for us to find some type of healing, to find comfort and to provide some type of hope to many of us who are still dealing with these difficult issues.
Bamby Salcedo, President & CEO of The TransLatin@ Coalition
It's rare that something can both break your heart and renew your spirit. My heart empathetically broke from the rawness and intimacy these pages hold. As I finished I was left feeling inspired and awestruck at the power of queer people - not just to endure but to use our experiences as a tool to empower others, like these words certainly will.
Karmilla Pillay-Siokos, Director of Slutwalk Johannesburg
Written on the Body is a bold exploration of pain--and of discovery. These letters are courageous and illuminating, directly facing the nuanced hurt of violence and of loss. A powerful and touching chorus of honest voices!
Aspen Matis, Co-Founder of The Human Network and author of Girl in the Woods