In this episode, I talk with Paula Stone Williams - internationally known speaker on issues of gender equity - about her book, As a Woman: What I Learned About Power, Sex and the Patriarchy After I Transitioned.
A father, husband, and successful pastor and CEO, Paula Stone Williams made the decision to transition at the age of 60 and quickly discovered her life as a woman was not going to be as easy as her life as a white man. Transgender people are in a very unique position having lived as both genders, and in her book Paula discusses her journey to transition as well as the integration of spirituality and sexuality. Paula illuminates the aspects of our gender socialization and culture that often go unexamined, demonstrating how drastically her life changed when nothing else did but her gender.
Some topics of discussion include:
- The role that religion played in Paula’s life as a child, and her long, successful career in an evangelical community that she was kicked out of as soon as they learned she was transgender
- Her life now compared to when she was living as a man, including what she finds most frustrating and most common
- Losing her status, her voice and even her confidence after coming up against what women have struggled with for millennia - being listened to, taken seriously or simply not interrupted
And more!
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The quotes you will hear read during the interview are taken directly from the book, As a Woman.
Transcription is available here
Mentioned in the episode:
- The Middle Passage - James Hollis
- Swamplands of the Soul - James Hollis
- She's My Dad - Jonathan S. Williams
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