Laurence was always more comfortable in men’s clothing and knew that he was not a woman.
In 1939, Dillon experimented with testosterone pills. A pioneering plastic surgeon performed a double mastectomy on Dillon and gave him a note to change his birth certificate to male.
Dillon enrolled in medical school under his new name, becoming a distinguished rower for the male team.
13 surgeries were performed on Dillon to construct male anatomy. The doctor performing them diagnosed Dillon falsely so that nobody would know the truth, protecting Dillon.
In 1946, Dillon published ‘Self: A Study in Ethics and Endocrinology.’
The book described what would later be known as transgender people.
In it he said, “Where the mind cannot be made to fit the body, the body should be made to fit, approximately at any rate, to the mind.”
Dillon became a physician in 1951, working in a Dublin hospital and for six years at sea as a naval doctor.
After his transition became known, he moved to India to avoid unwanted press attention. There he became a practicing Buddhist.
🏳️🌈TODAY’S PRIDE HERO🏳️🌈
Peter Thatchell @PeterTatchell
(1952 - p)
Thatchell is a UK human rights campaigner, best known for his work with #LGBTQ social movements.
He has worked to end anti-LGBTQ laws in the UK & helped LGBTQ people worldwide. #LGBTVoices#PrideMonth
Born in Australia, he first worked to help aboriginal people & to end the death penalty in that country.
Thatchell moved to London & became a leading member of the Gay Liberation Front, organizing sit-ins at pubs that refused to serve gays & protested police harassment.
He helped to organize Britain’s first Gay Pride march in 1972.