A random collection of over 1910 books and audiobooks authored by or about my transgender, intersex sisters, and gender-nonconforming persons all over the world. I read some of them, and I was inspired by some of them. I met some of the authors and heroines, some of them are my best friends, and I had the pleasure and honor of interviewing some of them. If you know of any transgender biography that I have not covered yet, please let me know.
Original title: "Juopa" (Gap) by Kim Kansas.
Kim Kansas, also known as Ansa Kansas, is a pivotal figure in the history of transgender visibility, and her 1971 memoir "Juopa" offers an insightful look into her life. Known for her courageous personal journey and her involvement in both film and literature, Kansas became an icon in the 1960s and 1970s, particularly for her gender transition and her public efforts to share her story.
In 1967, Kansas's life was the subject of "I Was a Man", a documentary directed by Barry Mahon. The film, while sensational in some aspects, remains one of the earliest to document the story of a transgender woman undergoing gender-affirming surgery. Kansas's transformative journey is at the heart of the film, capturing her struggles with identity, love, and acceptance. The documentary explores Kansas's childhood in Finland, where she felt an intense desire to live as a girl. As an adult in New York City, she led a double life—working as a cook on a freighter while secretly expressing her true gender identity through makeup and women’s clothing. It was during this period of internal conflict that Kansas decided to seek medical help, ultimately traveling to Finland for a sex-change operation.
The documentary is notable not only for the emotional and physical transformation it follows but also for its groundbreaking portrayal of transgender issues. Kansas plays herself in the film, offering an intimate and honest depiction of her own journey. At the time, transgender topics were rarely discussed publicly, and the film provided a rare glimpse into the emotional, psychological, and societal challenges faced by trans individuals.
1971,
Ansa Kansas,
Finnish,
Kim Kansas,
"Lånat Kön" (Borrowed Gender) is the Swedish language version of "Mauvais genre" (Wrong Gender) by Chloé Cruchaudet.
In the early 20th century, amidst the chaos of World War I, Paul and Louise shared a deep love for one another. Their bond was unshakable until the horrors of war forced them apart. As the war escalated, Paul found himself trapped in the nightmarish reality of the trenches. Unable to bear the relentless violence, he made a desperate decision to flee — becoming a deserter, a man hunted by his country.
With the help of his wife Louise, Paul managed to escape the frontlines, seeking refuge in Paris. However, his safety came at a steep price: he was condemned to a life of hiding, forever confined to the four walls of a hotel room, living in constant fear of being caught and executed as a deserter. But Paul, driven by the desire to escape his claustrophobic existence, concocted an audacious plan: he would reinvent himself entirely.
To put an end to his constant fear and isolation, Paul decided to change his identity. He would no longer be Paul, the fugitive soldier, but rather Suzanne, Louise’s best friend. In a twist of fate, Paul embraced the feminine persona, dressing in women’s clothing and stepping into a new life. What began as a means of survival quickly evolved into something far more profound. As Suzanne, Paul discovered a new sense of freedom and began to flourish in a way he never thought possible.
2019,
Chloé Cruchaudet,
Swedish,
Original title: "Eva: Retrato colectivo de una transición" (Eva: Collective portrait of a transition) by Eva Faga.
In "Eva. Collective story of a transition" the author constructs herself, in a Transvestite Trans identity, within a real and constantly changing scenario, such as Argentina. With it, the world around us transitions, because it forces us to rethink ourselves and assume the responsibility we have in the construction of others.
Eva does not seek to move or excite, do not expect an emotional story that appeals to the poetics of words, rather one that highlights the importance of collective struggles in obtaining rights. An example of this is the Gender Identity Law.
The author emphasizes the importance of language as an essential form in the construction, not only of culture but also of identity.
It is possible to know, through her testimony, the different areas that Eva navigates, from everyday and family life, to activism and the constant fight for the defense of Human Rights.
2024,
Argentina,
Eva Faga,
Spanish,
Full title: "Transitional: My Story" by Munroe Bergdorf.
"Transitioning is an alignment of the invisible and the physical. It is truth rising to the surface. It is one of the most fundamental aspects of the human condition - a part of our experience as a conscious being, no matter who we are. As time goes on, we all develop as people. We all transition. It's what unites us, not what separates us.
In this life-affirming, heartfelt and intimate book, activist and model Munroe Bergdorf shares reflections from her own life to illustrate how transitioning is an essential part of all our lives. Through the story of one woman's extraordinary mission to live with authenticity, Transitional shows us how to heal, how to build a stronger community and how to evolve as a society out of shame and into pride."
2024,
English,
Munroe Bergdorf,
UK,
Original title: "Wiebkes Tagebuch XI: Teil XI des Tagebuchs einer trans Frau (Nov. 2023 - Jan. 2024)" (Wiebke's Life XI: Part XI of the diary of a trans woman (Nov. 2023 - Jan. 2024)) by Wiebke ter Lichten.
In the summer of 2018 my girlfriend asked me out of the blue if I’d ever considered being transformed into a woman for an afternoon. She suggested that it might be interesting. I went back and forth quite a bit, and to be honest, the thought may have crossed my mind for a split second, but I dismissed it because I was absolutely certain the result wouldn't be good. Then Christmas 2018 came and her gift was just that: a makeover. She’d spoken to the manager of a service and made all the preparations. No chance for me to back out!
2024,
German,
Wiebke ter Lichten,
Full title: "World's First Transgender Married Couple "Open"" by Julia James.
"Explore the extraordinary true story of a trailblazing couple who redefined love, marriage, and identity. They were among the last within the LGBT community to feel secure enough to share their lives with the world, a revelation that came years after the LGB individuals had done so.
"The World's First Transgender Married Couple" offers an invitation to witness the heartfelt, moving journey of two individuals who transitioned not only in gender but in their outlook on life, love, and commitment. This landmark memoir ventures into the less-discussed facets of transgender identity and applauds the triumph of authentic self-expression in a world still adjusting to change.
2024,
English,
Julia James,
Original title: "Mi mejor versión... es femenina: autobiografía de mi transición" (My best version... is feminine: autobiography of my transition) by Silvia Sicore.
The author, a specialist in audiovisual communication, has been writing and creating content for digital and analog media since she was young.
In this autobiography of her transition years, she takes the opportunity, while she tells us the events of that part of her life, to reflect on what it means for her to be "trans" in current times and on how this gender transition has influenced her closest surroundings of Lleida and Barcelona.
With the pedagogical objective of making the collective positively visible, Silvia reveals herself to those who read her story, to show herself as she is. Demonstrating that, among all the possibilities of being that one has, searching for the best version is always positive, whether or not that search leads you to discover that this evolution requires a gender transition.
It is therefore an atypical story, in which the author discovers very late, as an adult and after an entire life lived as a heterosexual man, that in the crossword puzzle of her identity there is the word gender... and that its best version, is feminine.
2024,
Silvia Sicore,
Spanish,
Full title: "And Here I Am: My Seventy Years On A Gender Tightrope" by Colleen Bellson.
"“Gender dysphoria”. “Transgender”. I'm older than both of those terms. You'd think that with nearly eight decades of experience, I'd understand the condition a lot more than I do. If you're looking for answers here, it's best that you not get your hopes up. I gave up on finding the "why" a very long time ago. For me, being "transgender" has been a gift, a curse, a source of both shame and fascination, and - on balance - a great deal of fun.
This book has nothing to do with politics, ideology, activism, legal battles, parental rights, or any other issue that's peripheral to the subject of gender self-identity. If you learn something along the way, that's great. But my intent is just to tell my own story."
2024,
Colleen Bellson,
English,
Full title: "It Gets Better . . . Except When It Gets Worse: And Other Unsolicited Truths I Wish Someone Had Told Me" by Nicole Maines.
"Nicole Maines knows a little something about “happily ever after”—not just because she’s a self-professed expert in the Disney princess canon, but because she’s lived it. After coming out at an early age, her family had not only to educate themselves, but also those around them as they fought and won a landmark court case in the state of Maine before she graduated high school. She made it into college, got the guy, and finally had The Surgery.
She achieved her lifelong goal of becoming an actress when she landed a major role in the CW’s Supergirl, playing television’s very first live-action transgender superhero. Cue sappy music and sunsets, because we’ve got ourselves a happy ending, right? Ha! As if. For the first time, in her own words, Nicole tells the story of her journey from childhood in rural Maine to the spotlights of Hollywood, sharing the lessons she’s learned along the way. With clever wit and unflinching honesty, she tackles some of the most insidious messaging absorbed by queer kids and all young women, from the idea that any one thing can (or should) ever really “fix” you, to wondering what’s wrong with you when things don’t always feel better, and reminding us that, sometimes, a happy ending is only the beginning of the story."
2024,
English,
Nicole Maines,
USA,
Original title: "A Transformação Crossdressing" (The Crossdressing Transformation) by Sabrina Loren.
“The Crossdressing Transformation" is an invitation to delve into the fascinating universe of crossdressing through the personal and inspiring story of Sabrina Loren.
With an engaging and sincere narrative, Sabrina shares her experiences, challenges and achievements as a crossdresser, revealing the ups and downs of this journey of self-discovery and acceptance.
Throughout the book, she presents a complete overview of crossdressing, from the motivations that lead people to get involved in this practice to the emotional and social complexities that surround it.
Based on her experiences, Sabrina offers practical tips on fashion, makeup, hair and body language, as well as valuable advice on how to deal with public outings, relationships and the search for "passing".
2024,
Crossdressing,
Portuguese,
Sabrina Loren,
Full title: "Cleavage: Men, Women, and the Space Between Us" by Jennifer Finney Boylan.
"What is the difference between men and women? Jennifer Finney Boylan, bestselling author of She's Not There and co-author of Mad Honey with Jodi Picoult, examines the divisions--as well as the common ground--between the genders, and reflects on her own experiences, both difficult and joyful, as a transgender American.
Jennifer Finney Boylan's She's Not There was the first bestselling work written by a transgender American. Since its publication twenty years ago, she has become the go-to person for insight into the impact of gender on our lives, from the food we eat to the dreams we dream, both for ourselves and for our children. But Cleavage is more than a deep dive into gender identity; it's also a look at the difference between coming out as trans in 2000--when many people reacted to Boylan's transition with love--and the present era of blowback and fear.
How does gender affect our sense of self? Our body image? The passage of time? The friends we lose--and keep?"
2025,
English,
Jennifer Finney Boylan,
USA,
Full title: "Maybe This Will Save Me: A Memoir of Art, Addiction and Transformation" by Tommy Dorfman.
"From filmmaker, writer, producer and actor Tommy Dorfman—currently starring in Broadway's Romeo + Juliet—comes a beautifully written, bracingly original memoir, structured through the profound revelations of a single tarot card reading, chronicling her troubled teen years, the highs and lows of her creative career, and her journey to self-acceptance
On a hot summer day, twenty-eight-year-old Tommy Dorfman was enjoying a beautiful outing on a boat. But inside she felt unmoored.
After a lifetime of confusion, she’d finally gained clarity around her gender and had begun to transition. But there were still parts of herself she’d locked away, elements of her story that she needed, for the first time, to fully confront. She sought guidance in a tarot deck, using it as a tool to make sense of her life up until that point.
Maybe This Will Save Me, Dorfman’s spellbinding debut memoir, is structured through the cards of that tarot pull. The youngest of five children, she grappled with her own identity from an early age and spent her teenage years numbed by drugs and alcohol. At the same time, she harbored dreams of creative stardom and a desire to make herself seen."
2025,
English,
Tommy Dorfman,
USA,
Full title: "Paper Doll: Notes from a Late Bloomer" by Dylan Mulvaney.
"When Dylan Mulvaney came out as a woman online, she was a viral sensation almost overnight, emerging as a trailblazing voice on social media. Dylan’s personal coming-out story blossomed into a platform for advocacy and empowerment for trans people all over the world.
Through her “Days of Girlhood” series, she connected with followers by exploring what it means to be a girl, from experimenting with makeup to story times to spilling the tea about laser hair removal, while never shying away from discussing the transphobia she faced online.
Nevertheless, she was determined to be a beacon of positivity.
But shortly after she celebrated day 365 of being a girl, it all came screeching to a halt when an innocuous post sparked a media firestorm and right-wing backlash she couldn’t have expected. Despite the vitriolic press and relentless paparazzi, Dylan was determined to remain loud and proud."
2025,
Dylan Mulvaney,
English,
Original title: "Charlotte. Salome. Veronika. Transvestiten" (Charlotte. Salome. Veronica. Transvestites) by Susann Hillebrand and Irmgard Johannson.
In the book, three transgender women are portrayed in photos and interviews. Charlotte was born in 1900 and was 78 years old when the book was published, Salome was 22 and Veronika was 26. In their questions, the two authors show real interest in the analysis of the transgender phenomenon and transgender community in Germany.
1978,
German,
Irmgard Johannson,
Susann Hillebrand,
Full title: "Queer Diplomacy: A Transgender Journey in the Foreign Service" by Robyn McCutcheon.
"“This wildly compelling, beautifully written, first-of-its-kind memoir is an incredibly important, useful, and deeply humanizing story about one transgender woman’s unique experience navigating the complex world of foreign affairs and diplomacy. It’s a joy to read.” — Anthony Cotton, international inclusive development professional.
Join Robyn McCutcheon, an out and proud transgender woman, on her journey as a diplomat with the U.S. Department of State. Follow her on travels that took her through the Soviet Union as a historian, to the stars as an engineer in the Hubble Space Telescope project, and onward to Russia, Romania, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan as a Foreign Service Officer representing her country on everything from human rights to nuclear arms control. Find out what it was like to transition gender while serving full-time overseas and to become an icon to the LGBTQIA+ communities in Romania and in Central Asia."
2024,
English,
Robyn McCutcheon,
Original title: "O caso Bruna: Gênero, transexualidades e opinião pública" (The case of Bruna: Gender, transsexualities and public opinion) by Ubirajara de None Caputo.
"Transvestites and transsexual women demonstrate for the right to use women's restrooms open to the public in a shopping mall in São Paulo. The act has repercussions on a news site of great circulation, provoking the reaction of hundreds of readers. Ubirajara Caputo analyzed the opinions of this group of people, most of whom were against the right of use motivated by religious and social conceptions or by attributing to the plaintiffs a dubious character and distorted aspects of health and body.
2022,
Brazil,
Portuguese,
Ubirajara de None Caputo,
"Psychopathia sexualismus" is the English language version of "Psychopathia sexualismus" published in 1886 by Richard von Krafft-Ebing.
Psychopathia Sexualis, written by Richard Freiherr von Krafft-Ebing in 1886, is a pioneering work in the field of sexual pathology. This clinical-forensic study delves into a wide range of paraphilias and specifically focuses on male homosexuality and bisexuality - referred to as the “antipathetic sexual instinct” in the subtitle.
Crossdressing in the modern sense appeared with Karl Heinrich Ulrich as early as 1868, and Carl Westphal used the term "contrary sexual feeling" in 1870, although not yet differentiated from so-called uranism. Richard von Krafft-Ebing then published the first edition of "Psychopathia sexualismus" in 1886, which went through 17 editions. There he uses the term “Metamorphosis sexualis paranoica” (sex change madness).
1968,
English,
Richard von Krafft-Ebing,
Original title: "Bangkok Ladyboys" by Henrik List.
"In this unique book, the author Henrik List and photographer Anders Askegaard travel from the 'heterosexual matrix' and out of the closet, across the boundaries of prejudice and through the mirror to a Bangkok at the beginning of the 21st century, where nothing is what it appears to be - not even many of the "girls" in the city's nightlife and red light districts.
A raw, poetic and reflected portrayal in text and images of Thailand's "third sex" - an essay about and 48 pages of color photographs of these so-called ladyboys."
2006,
Danish,
Henrik List,
Thailand,
Full title: "Forty Years to Live" by Brenda Bradford Ward.
"Discover the captivating journey of self-discovery and resilience in "FORTY YEARS to LIFE" by Brenda Bradford Ward. In this compelling narrative, Ward paints a vivid picture of a life lived in secrecy, offering readers a rare glimpse into the struggles faced by individuals navigating gender identity conflicts. Society's response to such conflicts often swings between permissiveness and suppression, yet true understanding remains elusive. Ward skillfully delves into this complex issue, shedding light on the challenges faced by those grappling with their true identity amidst societal pressures.
With meticulous research and heartfelt storytelling, "FORTY YEARS to LIFE" invites readers to confront the age-old questions surrounding gender identity. As Ward explores the history and intricacies of this deeply personal journey, she prompts us to reflect on how best to support and empower individuals facing similar challenges. Engaging, thought-provoking, and deeply compassionate, "FORTY YEARS to LIFE" is a must-read for anyone seeking insight into the human experience and the quest for authenticity. Join Brenda Bradford Ward on a transformative odyssey towards understanding, acceptance, and ultimately, liberation."
2024,
Brenda Bradford Ward,
English,
Original title: "Cartas pra Pepita" (Letters to Pepita) by Mulher Pepita.
"The program "Cartas pra Pepita", a public success on IGTV and YouTube, completes one year on the air and to celebrate brings the best letters in the debut book of Selo Monocó! Hosted by LGBT activist, singer and songwriter Mulher Pepita, one of the first transsexual funk singers in Brazil, the program brings the author's sometimes affectionate, sometimes acidic advice and tips about relationships and questions about love and sex from readers-viewers, who send their letters to the program and are read on the air, without shame!"
Mulher Pepita, also known as Pepita, is a Brazilian singer, composer, and dancer. Born Priscila Nogueira on January 25, 1983, in Rio de Janeiro, she gained prominence as one of the first trans women in the Brazilian funk music scene. Her work is closely associated with LGBT activism1.
Pepita began her journey as a funk dancer in Rio de Janeiro’s nightclubs. During this time, she received a song titled “Tô à Procura de um Homem” from a friend. Inspired by the music, she transitioned into a music career and performed her first show in São Paulo.
2019,
Brazil,
Mulher Pepita,
Portuguese,
Full title: "Dr. Jeanne Hoff's Unwavering Fight for Acceptance and Equality for Transgender Individuals: Beyond the Binary" by El Rudolph.
"In a world struggling to grasp gender beyond the binary, Dr. Jeanne Hoff ignited a revolution. This inspiring biography chronicles her pioneering research, shattering the silence on gender dysphoria and paving the way for compassionate healthcare for transgender individuals. Witness her tireless advocacy, challenging discrimination and championing legal recognition for all.
Through insightful research, personal stories, and Jeanne's own unwavering voice, this book illuminates the ongoing fight for equality while offering a roadmap for a future where everyone can live authentically. Join this inspiring journey and discover the enduring legacy of a woman who dared to see the world with empathy and courage, lighting the way for a more inclusive future."
2023,
El Rudolph,
English,
Jeanne Hoff,
Original title: "La fille d’elle-même" (The Daughter of Herself) by Gabrielle Boulianne-Tremblay. The book was published in 2021 and republished in 2023.
"Winner 2022, Prix des Libraires Rights for TV adaptation purchased by Zone 3 A runaway bestseller in Québec, where it has captured the hearts of readers and pushed trans-identity into the mainstream conversation, Dandelion Daughter is an intimate, courageous portrait of what it’s like to grow up having been assigned the wrong sex at birth.
Set against the windswept countryside of the remote Charlevoix region some five hours north of Montreal, Gabrielle Boulianne-Tremblay’s autobiographical novel immortalizes her early years as an alienated boy trapped in a world of small-town values and her parents’ dissolving marriage, through complex adolescent years of self-discovery and first loves, to the harrowing episodes that fuel the growing realization that she must transition and give birth to her new self if she is to continue living at all. One of the first novels of its kind to appear in Québec, this inspiring story has already connected with a wide readership, and has been adopted by many schools to help expand worldviews and curriculums."
2021,
2023,
Canada,
French,
Gabrielle Boulianne-Tremblay,
Gabrielle Tremblay,
Full title: "Gender Queer: As the Carousel Turns "Gender War"" by Robyn Casias (Skyler Lott).
This is the first part of a 4-episode series that tells the stories about "how my expression of Meili slowly diminished trying to dress in girls’ clothes. No one could understand the gender expressions coming from Meili’s flower power version of her Rainbow. The best that I could do is take the psychedelic express train to Alice in Genderland where I could sing, but not be heard."
"As the Carousel Turns “GENDER WAR” is a novella series that progresses my journey through a spiritual, social, legal, and physical transformation from being born biologically male to my identified gender as female. “I AM MEILI” is the first of two Episodes in “GENDER QUEER. Meili characterizes a female persona from my earliest childhood memories. As my journey unfolds “Manly” is introduced. Manly is my made-up male persona, the persona I predominantly portrayed throughout my adolescence and adulthood."
2019,
English,
Robyn Casias,
Skyler Lott,
Original title: "Liberdade Ainda Que Profana" (Freedom Even If Profane) by Ruddy Pinho.
When we turn to the literature of trans authorship in Brazil, we inevitably arrive at Ruddy Pinho, who in 1980 debuted on the literary scene with the poetic biographical work Eu, Ruddy. In that period Ruddy did not yet recognize herself as a woman, nor did she bring this issue explicitly to her writing, which only occurred after the publication of her second autobiography, Liberdade ainda que profana (1998), in which she celebrates her 35-year career as a hairdresser, and she identifies as a woman.
Ruddy Pinho, also known as “A Maravilhosa”, was a celebrated transgender hairdresser from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. She was known for her work with famous clients, including Susana Vieira and Marilia Pêra. Ruddy Pinho made a significant contribution to the hairdressing industry, including creating the “lioness cut” that marked the career of singer Simone Bittencourt and was widely copied in the 1980s.
1998,
Brazil,
Portuguese,
Ruddy Pinho,
Full title: "We Are Mermaids: Poems" by Stephanie Burt.
"Stephanie Burt’s poems in We Are Mermaids are never just one thing. Instead, they revel in their multiplicity, their interconnectedness, their secret powers to become much more than they at first seem. In these poems, punctuation marks make arguments for their utility and their rights to exist. Frozen isn’t simply another Disney animated musical but “the Most Trans Movie Ever.” Mermaids, werewolves, and superheroes don’t just fret over divided natures and secret identities, but celebrate their wholeness, their unique abilities, and their erotic potential. Flowers in this collection bloom into exactly what they are meant to be―revealing themselves, like bleeding hearts, beyond their given names.
With humor and insight, Burt’s poems have always cherished and examined the things of this world, both real and imagined objects of fascination and desire. In this resplendent new collection, her observation and care flourish into her most fulfilled book yet. These poems shake off indecisiveness and doubt to reach joys through romance and family, through nature (urban and otherwise), and through imaginative community. We Are Mermaids is a trans book, a fangirl book, a book about coming together. It’s also Burt’s best book."
2022,
English,
Stephanie Burt,
Original title: "Kønsskifte: juridisk set" (Gender reassignment: legally speaking) by Marianne Holdgaard and Bettina Lemann Kristiansen.
"Gender reassignment poses particular legal problems. Based on extensive case material, the book deals in particular with administrative law and human rights issues related to legal regulation and practice in connection with gender reassignment. A distinction is made between the physical and the legal gender change (permission to change the first name and social security number).
The legal basis for gender reassignment and its use is related to general societal developments, including the increased acceptance of and knowledge about transsexuality and its treatment – both in the healthcare system and in the population. The area of justice is at a crossroads between overriding social considerations and fundamental considerations of the integrity, freedom, and autonomy of the individual. On the basis of legal policy considerations, it is argued for a change in the legal situation."
2004,
Bettina Lemann Kristiansen,
Danish,
Marianne Holdgaard,
Full title: "Eva's World: A Real Woman’s Life" by Ella Marques.
This is the third book by Ella Marques. "I was born a boy, from Venus: It's time to be yourself" (2017) was the first autobiography of Ella Marques. In 2020, she published her second book: "Coming Home to Venus: The story of a woman transitioning to her real self".
"Eva’s World is the story of a transgender pansexual hard-working woman that travels the world for business and pleasure. She and her three friends Linda, Olympia and Victoria come together regularly, talk about their lives, their loves and their expectations. Two of these girls are transgender, the other two are cisgender - their lives and expectations are similar, just some small differences. This is a positive book about life as a very privileged transgender person, about traveling, about fun, expectations but above all about love. Yes, transgender women are women. They live, they love, and they can be quite normal. All I ask is that you open your eyes."
2020,
Ella Marques,
English,
Interview,
Original title: "Lo que cuentan de las personas trans" (What they say about trans people) by Zulema Wild.
"This book is for those people who want to learn about trans people.
There will be people who say that we are not normal, but normal is too basic to call us that.
This book tells stories of trans people as well as a lot of information about everything that trans people experience.
A constant fight to be who we want to be, a fight to want to be accepted in a world of people who are still in the Franco era. Zulema is a trans girl and this book is dedicated to all those people who want to expand their knowledge and want to know more about trans people."
2023,
Spanish,
Zulema Wild,
