City Line: Sharon Davis (1986)

1986, Book, English, Sharon Davis, USA,

Show: City Line
Release Year: 1986

Synopsis:

The 1986 interview with Sharon Davis, a transgender woman and author of "A Finer Specimen of Womanhood: A Transsexual Speaks" (1985), conducted by Jaki Hall and B.T. Bentley for the WJZ-TV series "City Line", was a significant and insightful conversation on topics such as gender identity, religion, relationships, and societal acceptance. The interview, which aired on a public affairs program focused on the Black community in Baltimore, provided a platform for Sharon Davis to share her experiences and offer her perspective as a transsexual woman living in a world that often misunderstood and judged people like her. 

 

The interview begins with Sharon Davis explaining her background and journey to transition. She introduces herself as a transgender woman and shares her experience of writing her memoir, "A Finer Specimen of Womanhood". The book was written to offer both insight and support to others in the LGBTQ+ community, as well as to family members of transgender individuals who may be struggling to understand the complexities of gender identity. Sharon discusses how her book was designed to help others, particularly individuals and families who may not have the resources or understanding to navigate such a challenging situation. She wanted to create a resource that would demystify the experience of being transgender and offer guidance to those who might be feeling confused or isolated. 

 

Throughout the interview, Sharon addresses the decision to undergo gender reassignment surgery and live her life as a woman. She acknowledges that her decision was not easy, but she always felt that her true identity was that of a woman. Sharon offers an analogy to explain her choice to transition, comparing her situation to that of a person born with a physical anomaly like extra fingers or toes. If a person had extra fingers, she argues, the medical community would support removing them to help the individual live a more comfortable and accepted life. She applies the same logic to her gender identity, stating that transitioning was an action that allowed her to live authentically as the woman she always felt she was, despite being born biologically male. Sharon speaks candidly about her life before transitioning, expressing a deep sense of discomfort with her body and identity. She describes how she felt locked in the wrong body, using a metaphor to convey this sense of misalignment between her gender identity and her physical appearance. Sharon emphasizes that she did not believe God had made a mistake, but rather that she had been born with a condition that could be corrected through medical intervention. This distinction was important to her, as it aligned with her belief in the divine and the idea that human beings could use their knowledge to help alleviate suffering, just as a doctor might fix an anatomical issue. 

 

A significant portion of the interview focuses on Sharon’s relationship with religion and spirituality, as well as how she has navigated societal judgment. She speaks openly about the criticism and judgment she faces from some members of her religious community, particularly when it comes to questions about her gender transition. Sharon addresses the common question that many transsexuals face: "Don’t you think you’re going to go to hell for what you’ve done?" Sharon firmly rejects this idea, explaining that she has made peace with her faith and has actively sought divine forgiveness for any wrongs she may have committed. She recalls a prayer she made while on the operating table, asking God to either forgive her or allow her to die if what she was doing was truly wrong. She asserts that her decision to transition was not one made lightly or out of defiance, but out of a sincere desire to live her truth and find peace in her own skin. The concept of judgment from others, especially from those who are not familiar with the transgender experience, is a recurring theme in the conversation. Sharon urges viewers to practice empathy and understanding instead of casting judgment. She uses the biblical concept of "judge not, that ye be not judged" to emphasize that others should not condemn her or anyone else for their personal choices and experiences. Sharon's strong faith and belief in God’s grace play a pivotal role in how she views her transition and how she navigates the often difficult and harsh responses from society. 

 

As the conversation shifts toward Sharon's personal life, Jaki Hall asks about her romantic relationships. Sharon is clear that she is not a lesbian and that her relationship is with a man. She explains that her identity as a transgender woman does not make her any less heterosexual. Sharon emphasizes that her relationship with her male partner is not based solely on physical attraction but is a full, supportive, and loving connection. She affirms that she has a strong and fulfilling relationship with him, just as any heterosexual woman would have with her male partner. Sharon also talks about the stigma that often surrounds the term "transsexual," stating that while society might view her through a narrow lens, she sees herself as a heterosexual woman in a normal relationship. She stresses that the label does not define the depth and emotional richness of her connection with her partner. Furthermore, Sharon shares that she has many male friends who are supportive of her and her journey, rejecting the stereotype that all transsexual relationships are rooted in sexual exploitation or dysfunction. 

 

Another deeply personal part of the interview revolves around Sharon’s experience as a mother. She discusses her decision to adopt a child, a decision that she made not because she was unable to bear children, but because she wanted to provide a loving home for a child in need. Sharon clarifies that she could have sought medical treatment to have biological children if she desired, but her adoption of a child was driven by her desire to help a friend who was struggling with infertility. She describes the process as an opportunity for both her and her friend, illustrating her selflessness and commitment to creating a family. Sharon shares her joy and fulfillment as a mother, describing how she cares for and nurtures her adopted son, Cherelle, who had been with her since he was two months old. As a mother, Sharon recognizes the challenges of raising a child and the patience required to be a good parent. When asked if she plans to tell Cherelle the full story of her transition, Sharon responds affirmatively, saying that she would explain it to him if and when he asks. She expresses no shame about her past and believes that it is important to have open and honest conversations with her child. Sharon reflects on how she might tell her son about her transition, emphasizing that her journey was part of her growth and that she has no hang-ups about sharing her story with him. She believes that it is society, not her, that has issues with transgender people, and that her son’s understanding will be shaped by the love and care she provides as his mother. 

 

As the interview concludes, Sharon shares her future aspirations. She reveals that she is pursuing a master’s degree in human services and plans to become a counselor for other transsexuals and individuals struggling with gender identity issues. Sharon’s desire to help others is evident in her work, both through her book and her planned career in counseling. She believes that her personal experiences, paired with her education, will allow her to assist others who may be going through similar struggles, offering support, guidance, and understanding. Sharon also hints at a second part to her autobiography, suggesting that she intends to continue her narrative and provide further insights into her life and work. The interview ends with heartfelt well-wishes from the hosts, and Sharon expresses her gratitude for the opportunity to share her story. The conversation on "City Line" highlighted Sharon Davis as a strong, thoughtful, and compassionate woman who has navigated the challenges of transitioning, faced societal judgment, and embraced her identity with grace and faith. Her experiences as a transsexual woman, author, and mother serve as an inspiration to others who may feel marginalized or misunderstood, encouraging them to live authentically and pursue happiness despite the obstacles they may face. Overall, the interview provided a unique and powerful perspective on the transgender experience in the 1980s, offering viewers a chance to engage with the complexities of gender identity in a deeply personal and relatable way. Sharon Davis’s story is a testament to resilience, faith, and the power of self-acceptance, challenging stereotypes and encouraging empathy in a world often quick to judge.

 

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