Advocacy Amplified Through Alicia’s Voice

Read Time:3 Minute, 59 Second

BOOK REVIEW
Inverse Cowgirl

Genre: Biography, LGBTQIA+, Memoir
Year Released: 2023
Pages: 256
Writer(s): Alicia Roth Weigel, Jonathan Van Ness (Foreword)
Where To Read: available September 19, 2023, pre-order here www.harpercollins.com, or www.amazon.com

If you’d like to learn more about what Intersex is, check out this site www.interactadvocates.org

RAVING REVIEW: Delve into the captivating universe of INVERSE COWGIRL, where Alicia Roth Weigel exposes her life story from birth, deeply intertwined with her advocacy for the intersex community. Each chapter is rich with sentiment, akin to a director’s commentary detailing every bit of a scene. Instead of the silver screen, though, Alicia uses the canvas of her own body, using tattoos as bookmarks of her life’s most poignant moments. This method, unique and endearing, anchors the narrative, ensuring readers remain hooked.

Alicia’s life, right from the beginning, was faced with challenges that many might find hard to fathom, let alone come to terms with. Medical interventions imposed on her as an infant might have been meant to align her with society’s norms. Still, they inadvertently directed her towards a trajectory of battles, discovery, resilience, and activism. Her college days and overseas travels were turning points in her life, moments of introspection and metamorphosis. Alicia’s story of overcoming hurdles that she’s faced is beyond inspiring.

The transition from personal exploration of her childhood to advocacy as an adult is detailed and profound. Alicia’s enthusiasm is evident throughout the book; her heart and soul have become what they are today not only because of her continued victories in life but also because of her challenges and the realizations she’s had about her past. If I were to have anything negative to say about the book, it would be that I wanted more. I could have easily read a book twice the size to hear more about what she faces daily. The struggles of past decisions that were made for her, those that she walked into herself, and those that found their way into her life would be a deeper exploration into what it means to be her (here’s to hoping that there will be a part two of her journey!)

Alicia’s dedication to championing marginalized voices is evident throughout the narrative. From her first experiences of giving based on her heart (despite what her bank account said) to her current battles against the local, state, and federal governments. Instead of lingering on traumatic memories, she focuses on the strength and inspiration drawn from these moments. Each chapter is structured similarly, giving the book a beautiful balance allowing you to dive into each and know the course you’ll be following.

The book sheds light on the widespread ignorance and miseducation around intersexuality. The revelation that their population is similar to the number of natural redheads is a powerful comparison, emphasizing the dire need for increased awareness. Through her words, Alicia zooms into the alarming and prevalent practice of subjecting intersex infants to non-consensual surgeries. This stark exposition is a wake-up call, challenging societal prejudices and beckoning toward empathy.

For those who want to learn more about Alicia’s tireless work, the documentary EVERY BODY complements INVERSE COWGIRL’s themes. This visual narration, spotlighting three valiant intersex individuals, echoes the themes of resilience, struggle, and advocacy. Click here for my review of EVERY BODY

In conclusion, INVERSE COWGIRL isn’t just about Alicia’s past. It’s a forward-looking proclamation, challenging societal constructs and inviting a more encompassing understanding of gender diversity. The sheer vibrancy of her experiences, her encounters in the political sphere, and the stories her tattoos tell beckon readers to step beyond conventional thought, advocating a realm of broadened understanding. This memoir, bubbling with heart, exploration, and revelations, sets the stage for a broader conversation on human diversity.

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[photo courtesy of HARPER COLLINS]

MY SAG-AFTRA/WGA STRIKE STATEMENT:
As an advocate for creators, actors, and writers, I firmly stand with SAG-AFTRA and the WGA in their current strike. The entertainment industry is built on these individuals’ extraordinary talents, and their contributions must be appropriately recognized and rewarded. They deserve fair compensation, sensible work hours, and respect for their creative rights. I believe in the power of unity and collective action, and I’m steadfast in my support for their fight for better working conditions and fair remuneration. Together, we can shape a more equitable future in the entertainment world.

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