December 1, 1952** The *New York Daily* News reports the news of Christine Jorgensen, the first notable case of sex reassignment surgery:
December 1, 1952** The *New York Daily* News reports the news of Christine Jorgensen, the first notable case of sex reassignment surgery: "Christine Jorgensen was an American trans woman who was the first person to become widely known in the United States for having sex reassignment surgery. She had a career as a successful actress, singer and recording artist. Jorgensen was drafted into the U.S. Army during World War II. After her military service, she attended several schools and worked; it is during this time she learned about sex reassignment surgery and traveled to Europe, where in Copenhagen, Denmark, obtained special permission to undergo a series of operations beginning in 1952. She returned to the United States in the early 1950s and her transition was the subject of a New York Daily News front-page story. She became an instant celebrity, known for her directness and polished wit, and used the platform to advocate for transgender people. Jorgensen often lectured on the e...