Presentation of the book "from him to her" by ana hellen mena
Ana Hellen Mena, a young woman from Estepona, presents her autobiographical book in which she recounts a unique case of intersexuality in Spain
The presentation of this work will take place at the Felipe VI Auditorium on Sunday, November 17 at 7:00 p.m., with free admission and will be moderated by local historian José María Guerrero.
The Councillor for Culture and Festivals, Macarena Diánez, has announced today that the book 'De él a ella' will be presented next Sunday, 17 November, at the Felipe VI Auditorium at 7:00 p.m.
The municipal official explained that it is an autobiography written by Ana Hellen Mena from Estepona, diagnosed as the only case of 46XX intersexuality in Spain, since the 29-year-old was born with male-looking genitals and discovered at the age of 26 that she had female reproductive organs. Diánez described the story told by the author as “very real and unusual, and in which Ana bares her soul and tells the whole journey she has taken until now.”
The councillor also announced that the event will be moderated by local historian José María Guerrero and, after the literary presentation, the author will sign copies, which will also be available for sale (20 euros). A charity bar will also be set up, with popular prices.
Those interested in attending can pick up their invitation starting Monday, November 11, at the Padre Manuel Cultural Center.
Ana Hellen has highlighted the difficulty of writing this book, which took her two and a half years, because she had to relive many of the episodes that happened in her life while she was struggling to find her identity. As she reflected, “the journey has involved a lot of suffering, but it has also meant overcoming and growth.”
The author also expressed her hope that this story will help people to bring out their self-love and fight to become who they really want to be.
Synopsis: “What happens when life confronts you with challenges that seem insurmountable from the moment you are born? In 'From Him to Her', I share my story, a life marked by the constant struggle to find myself in a world that seemed to have no place for people like me. I was born intersex and from a young age I faced rejection, ignorance and the pain of not fitting into society's norms.
Along the way, I experienced rape and abuse by an ex-partner, dark episodes that left deep scars. But this is not just a story of suffering. From Him to Her is also a story of overcoming, of finding the inner strength to heal and of how, despite the wounds, one can grow, flourish and move forward. This book is a reflection of my search for identity, my resistance to violence and my deep desire to be free and authentic. Through my words, I want to build a bridge for those who feel lost, hurt or without a clear direction, showing that there is always hope, even in the most difficult times.
'From Him to Her' is not just my story; it is the story of all the people who have ever felt like they don't belong, of those who have been silenced or mistreated, but who are looking for a way out, a new beginning.
It is a testament to the fact that, in the end, self-love and resilience are more powerful than any adversity.”