Happier as a Woman: Transforming Friendships, Transforming Lives

Martina Ramirez first started wearing her mother’s shoes in secret in second grade, when everyone still knew her as Martin. Growing up in a conservative household as an adopted Mexican-American in a racially segregated city, she swore she would not be just another crime or teen pregnancy statistic. Martina lived up to that promise when she was named high school valedictorian, became a tenured professor at a prestigious university, and had a family. It was only then, after she had become established in her life and career, that she was able to finally be her true self.

Happier as a Woman is not just a story of one woman’s transition. It is a story about relationships—those she fostered with herself, those that were hurt, those that were saved, and those that would not have existed if not for Martina’s desire to be a mentor, to be the change. Martina made it her mission to pave the way for all of those that would come after her—from women seeking to break through the glass ceiling to fellow victims of emotional abuse—regardless of who they appeared to be on the outside.

It’s as though all the emotions she had to bottle up in her youth became more potent with age, and they now tell of a compelling journey of acceptance, self-discovery, and self-love. Martina’s story is artfully expressed through letters, anecdotes, and powerful interviews conducted by and written alongside her renowned coauthor, human rights advocate, and memoirist Alicia Partnoy.