《Obie is man enough》

The cover of the book https://www.amazon.com/Obie-Man-Enough-Schuyler-Bailar/dp/0593379462

終於找時間看這本書了。主角Obie是個半韓裔美國籍游泳選手，初中時期開始他的跨男人生。本書描寫他向泳隊教練出櫃後到上大學前的故事。
Obie不是很幸運。出櫃後被原本泳隊的教練踢出隊伍，不願意讓他成為隊上的男子選手。並且受到隊上同儕的霸凌，言語上、肢體上。最常收到的惡意評論包括：你永遠不會是真正的男生。
Obie 同時也很幸運，有很能理解他的家人，有支持他的學校，有很能理解他的朋友。並且特別對運動員來說很重要的，在11歲的時候就有機會獲得醫療幫助，使得原生性別的荷爾蒙在青春期可能產生的後果，並沒有在他身上留下什麼明顯的痕跡。
書中琢磨了很多跨性別青少年會面臨的身心困擾：不知怎麼面對自己和世界的擔憂、以及極度脆弱的自信。
本書的作者也是一名半韓裔美國籍跨性別男性，曾經也是名男子游泳選手，目前是一名跨性別倡議者。但和 Obie 不一樣的是，他胸前有兩道明顯經過一字型平胸手術的疤痕。大部分的跨男在使用睪固酮一定時間後，就很容易隱身在社會中，因此相對少數會成為倡議者，持續為這個群體發聲。已經追蹤他的 Instagram 一兩年了，很佩服他的毅力和坦蕩。

Finally found time to read this book. The protagonist, Obie, is a Korean American swimmer who began his trans-male life in middle school. The story delves into his experiences after coming out to the swimming team's coach.

Obie isn't lucky. After his coming out, he was kicked out by the coach of the swimming team and was denied to compete as a male player on the team. Additionally, he endures both verbal and physical bullying from some of his peers, who cruelly question his identity, telling him he can never be a "real boy."

Yet, amidst the trials, Obie is also lucky. He is blessed with understanding and supportive families, a school that stands by him, and friends who back him up. A fortunate aspect, especially for athletes, is his access to medical assistance at the age of 11, which helps him navigate the potential consequences of puberty with fewer noticeable traces.

The book ponders the physical and psychological struggles faced by many transgender teenagers: the uncertainties they confront within themselves and the world, as well as the fragility of self-confidence.

The author of this book is himself a Korean American transgender man and former male swimmer, now advocating for transgender rights. Unlike Obie, he bears two noticeable scars on his chest from top surgery, a clear reminder of the journey. Despite the option to hide within society after using testosterone for an extended period, he chooses to continue putting himself out there for the community, showcasing incredible perseverance and openness.

For the past year or two, I have been following the author on Instagram. His work inspires many, and I am grateful for his dedication to creating a more accepting world for all.