Abi Austen - Sugar And Spice

2023, Abi Austen, English, Northern Ireland, UK,

Full title: "Sugar And Spice" by Abi Austen.

"Sugar and Spice is the true story of the first and only female Parachute Regiment officer in the British Army. Dismissed from service for being transgender after a decade of decorated service, Abi Austen has gone on to become a top international diplomat and representative for the trans community. Her deeply moving autobiography tells her hard scrabble journey of self-realisation from a broken childhood of abuse and neglect."

"She reflects on the culture wars, the discrimination and hatred she has faced, and the lessons she has drawn from a life of struggle to achieve personal happiness and love. There has never been another female officer in The Parachute Regiment. Abi's story is unique, profound and a parable for our times."

"Abi Austen is the first transgender British Army officer, the first and only female Parachute Regiment officer, the first trans Scottish Police officer, and the first trans international diplomat. Abi is also an Academy Award winning television presenter and film-maker and best-selling author. Born in Belfast, she spent 44 years suffering from her gender condition, before travelling to Thailand to become her authentic self. In the past 20 years, she has set milestones for trans inclusion in the British Army, Scottish Police and in creating trans-inclusive legislation and police reform in several countries.

"Sugar and Spice" is a memoir of her life, explaining her reasons for choosing The Parachute Regiment and what happened to her. Her other memoir, "Lord Roberts' Valet" details her years in Afghanistan with the US Army. Abi remains a committed champion for the trans community and for diversity, kindness and inclusion."

Available via Amazon

Photo via YouTube (Lorraine).