Transgender History Mario Martino Emergence 1977 Early Trans Masculine Autobiography

Mario Martino

First Edition

Martino, Mario. Emergence: A Transsexual Autobiography (1977) is a foundational work in transgender life writing, documenting one of the earliest full-length autobiographical accounts by a trans masculine individual published for a mainstream audience. The text supports research into transgender history, medicalization of gender variance, and the lived experience of female-to-male transition in the mid-20th century United States. Written at a time when clinical authorities largely controlled narratives of trans identity, Martino’s account asserts first-person authorship over gender transition, providing direct testimony of dysphoria, identity formation, and social negotiation within a Catholic Italian-American family structure.

Martino, Mario. Emergence: A Transsexual Autobiography. New York: Crown Publishers, 1977. First edition. The memoir recounts Martino’s early life assigned female at birth and raised as Marie, detailing adolescence marked by gender dysphoria, religious pressure, and attempts to conform through heterosexual and institutional pathways. The narrative includes descriptions of intimate relationships with women prior to transition, illustrating the intersection of lesbian identity and trans masculine development during a period lacking stable public terminology. Central to the account is Martino’s pursuit of gender-affirming medical care, documenting barriers imposed by psychiatric and medical gatekeeping systems, as well as the procedural realities of hormone therapy and surgery. His relationship with Rebecca, who becomes his wife, is presented as a sustained personal and emotional framework supporting his transition. Co-written with journalist Harriet, the text combines personal narrative with clinical and social commentary, while maintaining Martino’s authorial voice throughout.

One volume; 244 pages; no jacket present or as issued with photo-illustrated dust jacket. Octavo. Bound in original navy blue cloth with gilt spine lettering. The work emerges within the broader context of 1960s–1970s developments in transgender visibility, including the institutionalization of gender identity clinics and increasing public discourse following cases such as Christine Jorgensen. Martino’s dual role as a nurse and trans counselor situates the text within early peer-led advocacy efforts, contributing to evolving critiques of medical authority over trans lives. Light shelf wear, minor toning to jacket with edge wear and small chips at spine extremities; internally clean; very good overall. A significant early narrative of trans masculine identity and medical transition, offering direct primary-source evidence for the study of gender, sexuality, and healthcare systems in the late 20th century.

Item #22842

Price: $350.00