Brief

The autobiography of Trans Flag creator, trans activist, and Navy veteran Monica F. Helms. Monica’s book details the major events of her life, from childhood through to the book’s publication in 2019, including her service in the U.S. Navy as a submariner.

What We Liked

- This is a book about the activist that created the trans pride flag, but as the title shows, it is about so much more than that. It shows a human struggle with identity and self acceptance in a new, creative light from a perspective that we don't normally get to hear from;
- This would be a blockbuster, big Oscar-bait biography film, but unlike other LGBT films that can veer into the realm of exploitation, this film would be the story of a trans woman from her point of view. That authenticity would help draw a huge audience;
- Famous activist author;
- Funny, with tons of romance;
- Creative depictions of ideas.

Synopsis

Monica grows up as Robert in Arizona, 1954. As early as the first grade, she realizes that despite her outward appearance, she wants to dress more like the other girls in her class than the other boys. Monica begins to let out the secret woman living inside of her, but as a teenager and young adult, those desires come secondary to the desire to have sex with women.

A drive for sex consumes her even as she enlists in the Navy. Monica goes onboard a submarine, which does not lend itself to good relationships as the flings that Monica has fizzle out while she's underseas. Monica as Robert has a string of really bad relationships with difficult, manipulative women. One woman, Ann, starts to live with Monica, and eventually discovers the secret supply of makeup and feminine clothing. Ann initially takes the revelation well, despite Monica's initial shame and disgust. However, Ann is a drunk; at one point while on a bender, Ann hurls epithets at Monica and ridicules her. Ann steals a bunch of Monica's belongings and ruins many others before the two finally part ways for good.

Monica, as Robert, marries a woman named Donna and fathers two kids. Donna does not condone Monica's crossdressing but reluctantly accepts it in the beginning. Monica starts to attend meetings of Tri-Ess, a group of crossdressers that many trans people start out at. As Monica spends more time with other trans activists, she realizes she cannot hide her true self any longer. She begins to take her frustration out on her family, yelling at the boys and Donna, especially once Donna threatens that she will never let Monica see her kids again if she lives her truth. Eventually, Monica leaves Donna and starts to try and live her life.

Monica works at Sprint in a call center and gets activism experience through organizing a union. Monica uses this experience to later become involved in politics and fighting for trans inclusion in LGBT movements. During this time, she meets the creator of the LGBT flag who suggests that there should be a Trans pride flag. Monica designs the trans pride flag. Monica questions John Kerry about trans rights on television and goes on to speak at large about trans inclusion in LGBT discussions and issues, including issues with the VA and the Navy. Monica eventually meets a much younger woman named Darlene. Darlene and Monica wed and begin the process of trying to adopt a child.

About The Author

Monica F. Helms is a transgender activist, author, and veteran of the United States Navy. She is the creator of the Transgender Pride Flag as well as the founder of several activism groups.