John Thorp

John Martin Thorp (1927 – 23 March 2017) was a New Zealand chemistry researcher, university lecturer, and the author of several books, including two autobiographies on his life as a trans man. Much of his research work was on tribology, the study of friction, wear and lubrication.

Early life, education, and transition Born in 1927 in the United Kingdom, Thorp was educated at University of London, graduating with a BSc(Hons) in 1949 and PhD in 1951 with the title Preparation and adsorption properties of silica gels. He then lectured in inorganic and physical chemistry at Guy's Hospital Medical School, London. With the support of his friend (and future wife) Joan, who saved him from suicide, Thorp began his transition in the late 1950s with illegal and risky surgeries, and legally changed his name to John Martin in 1960.

Move to New Zealand In 1960 Thorp and his first wife, Joan, moved to New Zealand to escape intense media scrutiny and to take up a position as a chemistry lecturer at University of Auckland. The media scrutiny continued in New Zealand after being outed by The New Zealand Herald.

Selected works

Thorp, JM. 1951 Preparation and adsorption properties of silica gels. Thorp, JM. 2006. A Change for Good. Auckland, NZ: Cape Catley Thorp, JM. 2010. Second Chance. Auckland, NZ: Heather Mackay