Born: May 30, 1926 (Bronx, New York City)
Died: May 3, 1989
Biography:
Christine Jorgensen (May 30, 1926 – May 3, 1989) was an American trans woman who became widely known as the first person in the United States to undergo sex reassignment surgery and openly discuss it. She was not only a trailblazer in the field of transgender rights but also had a successful career as an actress, singer, and recording artist. Jorgensen’s story and the attention it garnered played a significant role in raising awareness and understanding of transgender issues in society.
Jorgensen was born as George William Jorgensen Jr. in the Belmont neighborhood of the Bronx, New York City. She was the second child of George William Jorgensen Sr., a carpenter and contractor, and his wife, Florence Davis Hansen. Growing up, Jorgensen described herself as a shy, introverted child who preferred non-physical activities. After graduating from Christopher Columbus High School in 1945, Jorgensen was drafted into the U.S. Army at the age of 19.
During her military service, Jorgensen worked as a clerical worker and also started questioning her gender identity. Upon being discharged from the Army, she pursued higher education and attended Mohawk Valley Community College in Utica, New York. She later studied at the Progressive School of Photography in New Haven, Connecticut, and the Manhattan Medical and Dental Assistant School in New York City. Jorgensen also had a brief stint working for Pathé News.
Returning to New York after her military service, Jorgensen became increasingly discontent with her body and her assigned gender. She learned about sex reassignment surgery and started researching the possibilities. With the help of Joseph Angelo, the husband of a classmate at the Manhattan Medical and Dental Assistant School, Jorgensen planned to travel to Sweden, where the only doctors who performed the surgery at the time were located.
However, during a stopover in Copenhagen, Denmark, to visit relatives, Jorgensen met Christian Hamburger, a Danish endocrinologist and specialist in rehabilitative hormonal therapy. Jorgensen decided to stay in Denmark and undergo hormone replacement therapy under Hamburger’s guidance. She began taking estrogen, and the changes in her body were significant. Her mammary glands increased in size, and she experienced hair growth in areas where she had previously lost hair.
In 1952, Jorgensen underwent a series of gender confirmation surgeries in Copenhagen, making her one of the first individuals to undergo such procedures. After her transition, Jorgensen returned to the United States, where her story became a sensation. The New York Daily News featured her on the front page, and she quickly became a household name. Jorgensen’s honesty, directness, and polished wit contributed to her charisma and appeal.
As a transgender woman in the public eye, Jorgensen used her platform to advocate for transgender rights and raise awareness about gender identity and sexual orientation. She became a sought-after speaker, often lecturing about her own experiences and shedding light on the challenges faced by the transgender community. In 1967, Jorgensen published an autobiography titled Christine Jorgensen: A Personal Autobiography, further sharing her journey and providing insight into the transgender experience.
Christine Jorgensen’s influence on society cannot be understated. Her willingness to live her truth openly and confront the stigma surrounding transgender individuals paved the way for greater acceptance and understanding. She played a vital role in advancing transgender rights and challenging societal norms around gender identity and expression.