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A True Tale Of Rags To Riches of African American Transgender

I Rise, the controversial coming of age novel by Toni Newman will bring tears of joy and perseverance. I Rise, is the true story of Toni Newman’s transformation from an effeminate, conflicted male to a proud, educated transsexual.  You will follow Toni on her rise from a “sissy boy,” a scholarship student, a business professional, an escort, a drag queen, a NYC prostitute, an LA dominatrix, and finally, a transsexual attending law school in order to help her transsexual sisters in need. Along Toni’s journey you will see the highs and lows, as well as life-long quest for self-acceptance….

Toni is ex playgirl magazine model and male fitness model turned Transgender to lose it all.  Toni graduated from Wake Forest University in 1985 with BA degree.  In the late 90’s, Toni was the CEO of MPI Productions, producer of male/female fitness calendars, sold all over the United States and abroad.

An outcast to society, Toni fell from grace landing on the streets of New York City.  Living in a crack house, and eating from a trash can, Toni’s life had spiraled out of control.  Fallen, but not beaten, Toni Newman decided to RISE.  In the footsteps Ted Williams, Toni Newman is a true testament of determination.

“Courage is the most important of all the virtues, because without courage you can’t practice any other virtue consistently. You can practice any virtue erratically, but nothing consistently without courage.”
Maya Angelou