4 Diverse Trans Stories By Transgender People

Trans stories are far more diverse than those we often read in mainstream media. As transgender people, we come to discover ourselves as trans in a wide variety of ways. Then, the paths we choose in transitioning, are equally as varied. However, it is all too common to hear just one kind of transgender narrative, and not be aware of the huge diversity that exists within our community. In this blog post, I share four book recommendations* which help to highlight the wonderful diversity within our community.

What is Diversity With The Transgender Community?

It is important that people are aware of the wide spectrum of transgender narratives. Often in the media, the story is of a young transgender person, who has always known themselves to be trans. Whilst this is often true, it is not the only narrative. Some transgender people do not realize they are trans until much later in life, as was my experience.

Not only do we realize, come out, and transition at all different ages, we are diverse in other ways too. We come from different backgrounds and cultures. Our sexualities are varied. We express our gender in different ways, and we each have our own unique situations and challenges.

Why It Is Important to Be Aware Of Transgender Diversity

I think it is important for us all to read diverse stories. For cis folk and trans folk alike. For cis folk, it can be helpful to learn just how diverse trans people are. This can help to address a lot of the common myths about trans people, especially the rhetoric around the transgender identity being a recent fashion or ‘fad’. For us trans folk, reading a range of diverse stories can help us to understand and support our trans siblings in the community in better ways.

4 Diverse Trans Stories by Transgender People

Just Add Hormones: An Insiders Guide to The Transexual Experience – By Matt Kailey

Matts’ story is an older, transgender gay males narrative. This was the first transgender memoir I read and I related to every single word. Coming out at the relatively late age of 37, I was full of self-doubt about my being trans. To read Matt’s story, of beginning his transition at the age of 42, gave me so much hope. To know that it was possible to discover yourself later in life, and to transition successfully, was a breath of fresh air.

I also loved how transparent Matt is about exploring his sexuality and being a gay trans man. His honesty and wisdom helped me greatly in my own sexuality journey. I struggled when I realized I was gay mid-transition because at the time there were few visible gay trans men and a very negative narrative about being both trans and gay. Matt’s words sowed the seeds that finally led to my acceptance of my identity as a gay trans man.

The terminology used in the book is outdated now but it’s a powerful story nonetheless. It is also very sad that Matt is no longer with us, as he passed away in 2014.

Trans Mission: My Quest to a Beard – By Alex Bertie

Alex’s story is a young trans male narrative, of his journey of discovering himself to be transgender at the age of 15.

Despite our age gap, I loved reading his story and was surprised how much I related to his words and to his experiences as a child.

It was also fascinating to hear what it was like coming out as trans so young, in a world just starting to openly discuss trans people in society. I was especially taken by Alex’s brave sharing of himself online. Alex was already hosting a YouTube channel, and come out as trans very publically. This is a truly inspiring story that shows the raw honest truth of what it is like to grow up on social media, as a visible trans male.

Yes You Are Trans Enough: My Transition from Self-Loathing to Self-Love – By Mia Violet

Mia’s story is a trans female narrative, of discovering herself to be transgender earlier in life but struggling to come out until she was 26 years old.

I picked up Mia’s memoir, as I realized I had only read trans male stories! Acknowledging the gap in my understanding, and drawn by the title, I had to give this memoir a read and I am so glad I did.

Not feeling trans enough is something I strongly relate to. I worried early on that I wasn’t trans enough, because I was older, because I hadn’t always known etc. Mia’s message is a powerful one, that however and whenever you discover yourself, you are valid. There is no set way to be trans or to transition. You are indeed trans enough!

I especially loved how Mia talks about being her own version of female and feminine. My gender identity journey has been similar. Early in my transition, in my desperate need to be read as male, I curbed any personality traits that weren’t stereotypically male. Sacrificing my personality in this way, made me very unhappy. Mia speaks honestly and passionately about moving into a space of self-confidence, owning your own version of your gender, and being proud to be you!

Transitioning Together: One Couple’s Journey of Gender and Identity Discovery – By Wenn Lawson and Beatrice B Lawson

Wenn’s story is of transitioning at a later age in life, while in a marriage of 19 years, with 4 children. What makes this story even more powerfully diverse, is that both Wenn and his wife Beatrice, are on the autistic spectrum.

This is such an honest and inspiring journey, of both couples each having their own transition. Wenn physically transitioning, and Beatrice adjusting to Wenn as a man and as her husband. And, alongside the two of them have to negotiate the challenges this transition brings up in terms of the impact on their both being autistic.

The insights so honestly and courageously shared here, provide a new and important awareness about the complexity of gender, gender roles, and the interplay of neurodiversity. This is an incredible story and a testament to the enduring power of love.

A Starting Point

This is just a tiny collection of trans stories. I share this as a starting point, from which to continue your own journey of learning more about trans folk’s diverse lives. I will be creating some more blog posts like this soon. In the meantime, you can find some more of my transgender book recommendations here.

Hello! My name is Finn and I have a passion for creating honest content, that inspires personal growth and promotes well-being.

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*Please note, this blog contains affiliate links which means when you buy through me. I may make a little commission. However, this is of no extra cost to you, and I only recommend products that I have personally found helpful.