Some stories arrive like a quiet breeze, and some burst through the noise like a thunderclap of truth. Forever Lee, the memoir co-authored by Swedish television personality Lee Christiernsson and writer Marie-Anne Knutas, is unquestionably the latter, a candid, deeply personal, and inspiring narrative of identity, courage, and renewal.
At its heart, Forever Lee is a story about becoming. It traces Lee’s life from a spirited, adventure-seeking youth through a celebrated career on Swedish television and a seemingly conventional life as a husband and father. For many years, Lee was best known to the public as “Carpenter-Björn,” the charming and skilled craftsman on Finally Home, a beloved home improvement series that aired for 22 seasons on TV4. But behind the camera, and beneath the veneer of a fulfilling public and family life, something essential was missing. Lee was living a role. For decades, he carried a truth so profound and so personal that it was nearly invisible to those around him. It wasn’t until the age of 45 that he was finally able to face the world as who he truly is: a non-binary transgender person.
The book is not only a timeline of events but an intimate excavation of the emotional and psychological terrain of a life lived in silence. Lee writes about gender dysphoria with striking clarity and empathy, describing the pain of misalignment, the dissonance of trying to meet expectations, and the emotional toll of not being seen. For readers unfamiliar with the experience, Lee’s narrative becomes a bridge, an entry point into the emotional reality of many transgender and non-binary individuals. Yet Forever Lee is anything but bleak. It is, ultimately, a story of possibility. “The last few years have been upheaval, dramatic and bordering on improbable!” Lee admits. “But today I feel very good and clearly feel that change is possible. It is never too late!” That statement becomes the lifeblood of the memoir: a call to action, a reassurance to others who may be struggling in silence.
But Forever Lee isn’t just a memoir about identity, it’s also about liberation. The kind of liberation that comes when you finally exhale after holding your breath for decades. It’s about the joy of no longer pretending. About no longer editing yourself in every conversation or photo or outfit. About stepping into the world with open arms, not apologizing for who you are. There’s a quiet rebellion embedded in the pages of this book, against norms, against time limits, against the idea that it’s ever “too late” to be who you are. In that way, Lee’s story becomes larger than one life. It becomes a permission slip for others, especially those in midlife or later, who still feel they must choose between being accepted and being themselves.
The publication of Forever Lee was timed to coincide with Stockholm Pride, where the memoir had its exclusive advance release. The book was available at the QX magazine tent in Pride Park, and Lee met readers there to sign copies and share his story in person. The atmosphere was one of celebration, solidarity, and joy, mirroring the very essence of the book itself. For those in Sweden and beyond who have followed Lee Christiernsson’s journey, from prime-time TV star to courageous advocate, this memoir is more than just a compelling read. It’s a celebration. It’s a reminder that personal truth doesn’t age, and it doesn’t expire. It waits. As Lee reflects in the book, Forever Lee is not just about surviving, it’s about thriving. It’s about finding peace in the mirror. It’s about daring to take the step, no matter when you take it. And it’s about knowing that forever doesn’t begin in youth, it begins the moment you finally say yes to yourself.
Lee Christiernsson, born in Stockholm in 1974, is a Swedish carpenter, television personality, and lecturer. Known for his work on Finally Home, he came out as a non-binary transgender person in 2023 and was the subject of the documentary Becoming Lee on TV4. His story resonated deeply with audiences across the country and beyond.
Marie-Anne Knutas is a Swedish writer and journalist known for her ability to bring out the deeply human in every story. Her collaboration with Lee resulted in a book that is heartfelt, honest, and life-affirming.
Available via Amazon
Photo via Instagram
Other related sources:
Post a Comment