Arlina’s Book
A Letter to Pawtone isn’t just an autobiography, it’s an untold American history, a deeply cinematic journey of identity, courage, and transformation. This is the story of Arlina A., one of the first individuals in the United States to undergo gender reassignment surgery in 1972, told through the raw and intimate lens of her personal diary entries.
Born Arnold in 1934 to Mexican immigrant parents, Arlina’s life unfolds against the backdrop of a changing America, from the bustling streets of Phoenix to the cultural heartbeat of Los Angeles. Her childhood, laced with pop culture references to television, movies, and music, paints an evocative portrait of the era. But underneath the vibrant scenes lies a young soul grappling with an undeniable truth, Arnold was never meant to be Arnold.
Drafted into the Army during the 1960s, Arlina faced an impossible choice: conform to societal expectations or risk everything to become who she was meant to be. Her decision to undergo gender reassignment surgery was not only groundbreaking but carried unimaginable risks—both personal and societal. What followed was a courageous transformation that paved the way for future generations, challenging norms in a time when visibility for transgender individuals was nearly nonexistent.
Settling in Monterey, California, Arlina found solace in the place she had always dreamed of calling home. Through her career at the Postal Service, she lived quietly yet boldly, embodying a resilience that speaks to anyone who has ever fought to carve out their own destiny. Yet her journey wasn’t just about transition—it was about love, family, faith, and the unyielding pursuit of authenticity.