Griffin Rae Birdsong’s A Pansexual Adventure Through Time: A Transition Autobiography is a work that defies the usual boundaries of genre and expectation. Combining comics, illustrations, and poetry, the book is at once a playful, wistful, and deeply personal account of gender transition, sexual exploration, and the small, tender moments that make life both confusing and magical.
Julia Serano, author of Whipping Girl, called it a “beautiful, poignant, and oftentimes hilarious collection of trans coming-of-age poems,” capturing the spirit of the book perfectly. Birdsong’s work is an unlikely and necessary antidote to the trans narratives that tend to focus exclusively on dramatic triumphs or tragic endings, instead embracing the messy, whimsical, and deeply human in-between moments that define existence.
The autobiographical aspect of the book is where its power truly lies. Birdsong invites readers into her life with a frankness and humor that is disarming and accessible. She writes candidly about her identity as a trans woman, her experiences navigating a society that is often indifferent or hostile to trans people, and the subtleties of growing up queer in Idaho. Through her poetry and prose, she explores themes of nostalgia, pubescent whimsy, lust, and the pursuit of the American dream, creating a tapestry of experience that feels both deeply personal and broadly relatable.
The book reminds us that transgender literature is ultimately human literature, a point Birdsong emphasized in an interview with The Heroines of My Life. She explained that while transition narratives may seem new and exciting, anyone who has ever set out to find themselves can relate to the universal themes of self-discovery, identity, and transformation. Birsong’s perspective as a transgender writer and poet adds another layer of resonance to her work. In the interview, she discussed how being a trans poet involves not only allowing oneself to be seen as trans, but also acting as a mouthpiece for the broader trans community. She spoke about the ways in which trans people are often misrepresented in media and literature, with stories about them told by others who may not understand their lived realities. Her own poetry, in contrast, is grounded in openness and transparency, giving voice to experiences that are too often ignored or simplified. She described the way her early poems about her transition caught the attention of Idaho’s artistic community and eventually led to the creation of her autobiographical book.
The book also grapples with the challenges of being a woman in the arts, particularly within conservative environments. Birdsong noted in the interview that existing as a woman and an artist in such spaces can be perceived as an act of rebellion, and for her, this perception became a source of strength and creative energy. She expressed that her art, her poetry, and her public presence serve as tools for challenging stereotypes, amplifying transgender voices, and affirming the experiences of trans women. A Pansexual Adventure Through Time is not only a record of Birdsong’s personal journey but also a testament to the power of courage, authenticity, and creative expression.
Her autobiography is candid about the emotional realities of transition. Birdsong recounts the early stages of realizing she was trans, coming out to friends and family, and beginning hormone replacement therapy. She writes about the fear and despair that can accompany such revelations, as well as the unexpected support that can emerge, particularly from loved ones. She also reflects on the importance of role models, citing musician Laura Jane Grace as a source of inspiration during the formative weeks of her own self-recognition. In sharing these experiences, Birdsong emphasizes that the process of coming into one’s identity is not linear or easy, but it is profoundly transformative.
Beyond transition, the book touches on universal themes of love, self-acceptance, and resilience. Birdsong openly discusses her experiences with romance and self-love, explaining that her pre-transition relationships were always tinged with the inability to fully love herself. Through the lens of her poetry and narrative, she conveys how living authentically allows one to embrace love and intimacy more fully. Her reflections are both heartwarming and humorous, capturing the awkward, joyful, and sometimes painful moments that make up the human experience.
A Pansexual Adventure Through Time also highlights Birdsong’s distinctive approach to identity and creativity. Her style blends punk-inspired aesthetics with playful experimentation, whether in fashion, makeup, or the whimsical illustrations that accompany her poetry. She writes with irreverence, curiosity, and a persistent sense of wonder, encouraging readers to embrace their own uniqueness. In the interview, she urged transgender girls struggling with gender dysphoria to channel their pain into creative expression, self-care, or playful exploration, demonstrating her belief that even in moments of struggle, there is opportunity for growth and beauty.
Ultimately, A Pansexual Adventure Through Time is a celebration of authenticity, a record of self-discovery, and a call to live boldly in the face of societal pressures. Griffin Rae Birdsong has crafted a work that is at once intimate and universally resonant, blending humor, vulnerability, and insight to illuminate the experience of being trans while remaining accessible to readers of all backgrounds. The book stands as a reminder that the in-between moments, the small victories, the awkward and joyous experiences of everyday life, are just as worthy of attention and reflection as the more dramatic arcs of triumph and tragedy. Through her artistry and courage, Birdsong invites readers to witness a life lived fully, unapologetically, and with a constant sense of adventure.
Available via Amazon
Photo via The Heroines of My Life
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