Valerie Wilms, a former member of the Green Party in Germany, has recently come forward to reveal her identity as a transgender woman, a truth she kept hidden for over three decades. In her new autobiography, "Meine zwei Leben. Als Junge geboren – als Frau im Bundestag" (My Two Lives. Born as a Boy - As a Woman in the Bundestag), Wilms recounts her journey from living as a man to embracing her true self as a woman during her time in the Bundestag, where she served from 2009 to 2017.
Born in 1954 in Hannover, Wilms experienced feelings of being different from a young age. During her studies in mechanical engineering, she engaged in a secret "hide-and-seek" game with women's clothing. Despite these early signs of her gender identity, it wasn't until her marriage, where she had two children, that she began to confront her feelings about her identity seriously. Wilms underwent medical treatments and legally changed her gender in the mid-1990s, embarking on her transition at the age of 41.
Wilms' decision to enter politics came later, at the age of 52, when she joined the Green Party. Her focus in the Bundestag was primarily on transportation, and she emphasized that her transgender identity was never a topic of discussion during her political career. "I wanted to be perceived as a woman and a professional politician, not just as a trans woman," she stated. "I would have been constantly reduced to my transgender identity, which was not my intention. I wanted to engage in substantial political issues."
In her autobiography, Wilms reflects on the challenges she faced while navigating her identity in a male-dominated field. "I always tried to act as Valerie Wilms, as a woman, as a person. My transition does not define me," she remarked. Despite her silence about her past, she now feels compelled to share her story, particularly in light of contemporary debates surrounding gender identity and the new self-determination law that allows individuals to change their gender identity annually.
Wilms expressed her concerns about this law, which she believes could lead to what she terms "gender hopping." She stated, "Every year a new gender, without fully adapting to it. This is not understandable to normal society. People like me lose acceptance because of this." She emphasizes that her own journey involved a thorough process of reflection and medical evaluation, which she feels is essential for anyone considering a transition.
Reflecting on her experiences with the Green Party, Wilms noted that she left the party in 2023 due to its increasingly ideological stance on climate and social issues. She criticized the party's radical approach to gender questions, stating that it has detrimental effects on individuals like herself. "I believe that the current discussions and ideologies surrounding gender do not help the acceptance of transgender individuals," she commented.
Wilms also shared her thoughts on the current trend of children and adolescents receiving hormone treatments, expressing that it is potentially harmful. "It is too early for children to make such significant decisions about their identities. The desire to be of another gender can be a temporary state," she cautioned. Her concerns reflect a broader debate within society about the implications of early medical interventions in gender identity.
In her book, Wilms candidly discusses her past, including the moment her wife discovered her secret when she forgot to remove nail polish she had applied in private. This revelation led to their divorce, and she now has limited contact with her two sons. Wilms acknowledges the personal costs of her transition, stating, "I had to pay a high price for my truth, but I had to live authentically."
As she shares her story, Wilms hopes to contribute to a more nuanced understanding of transgender issues. She recognizes the progress made in recent years for transgender rights but remains critical of the direction some discussions have taken. "The visibility of transgender individuals has increased, thanks to the efforts of activists. However, I worry that the current approach may lead to misunderstandings and backlash against our community," she said.
Wilms' autobiography is not just a personal account; it is also a commentary on the evolving landscape of gender identity in society. Her reflections challenge readers to consider the complexities of gender, identity, and acceptance. As she concludes her narrative, Wilms emphasizes the importance of understanding and empathy in discussions about transgender issues.
In a world where gender identity is increasingly recognized and debated, Valerie Wilms stands as a testament to the struggles and triumphs of living authentically. Her story serves as a reminder that behind every identity, there lies a journey filled with challenges, resilience, and the pursuit of acceptance.
