Christine Jorgensen

Christine Jorgensen (May 30, 1926–May 3, 1989), born George Jorgensen, Jr., is famous for being one of the first people to have sex reassignment surgery — in this case, male to female.

Related Topics:
May 30 - 1926 - May 3 - 1989 - Sex reassignment surgery - Male to female

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A media sensation was created on December 1, 1952 when the New York Daily News carried a front-page story (under the headline "Ex-GI Becomes Blond Beauty") announcing that in Denmark Jorgensen became the recipient of the first successful sex reassignment surgery. Though she was not, by far, the first (genital reassignment surgery has been performed since 1930), she became a willing spokesperson for transsexual and transgendered people. Christine died of cancer at age 62.

Related Topics:
December 1 - 1952 - New York Daily News - Denmark - Transsexual - Transgendered

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She is referred to in the 1994 movie Ed Wood.

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Christine Jorgensen once appeared on The Dick Cavett Show. Cavett insulted her by asking about the status of her romantic life with her "wife", and she walked off the show; since she was the only guest scheduled, Cavett spent the rest of that show talking about how he had not meant to offend her.

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During the 1970s and 1980s, Jorgensen toured university campuses and other venues to speak about her experiences. She was known for her directness and polished wit.

Related Topics:
1970s - 1980s

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Christine said in 1989, the year of her death, that she'd given the sexual revolution "a good swift kick in the pants."

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