In her heartfelt memoir Becoming Jade: A Memoir of Transition, Music, and Self-Discovery, EJ Jade Manalo opens the door to her world with honesty, courage, and a spirit of resilience that is as inspiring as it is humbling. More than a personal narrative, Jade’s book is a beacon for anyone searching for authenticity and strength in the face of adversity.
At its core, Becoming Jade is the story of a young trans woman navigating a world that often seemed unwilling to embrace her for who she was. Growing up with autism added another layer of complexity to her journey, shaping both the challenges she faced and the unique ways she approached them. Jade doesn’t shy away from discussing the realities of transferring between schools with rigid rules and minimal accommodations. These institutions, meant to nurture growth, often became spaces of tension where she had to fight for her right to be herself.
But Jade’s narrative is never one of defeat. Instead, it is about resilience, about finding ways to thrive despite barriers, about discovering moments of joy and independence even when surrounded by misunderstanding. She invites readers to see the world through her eyes, where something as simple as riding an elevator becomes a source of solace and empowerment.
Throughout the memoir, music emerges as a central force in Jade’s life. For her, songs were not just melodies but anchors, moments of grounding when life felt turbulent. Music provided companionship when environments were unwelcoming, and it offered her a way to process and express her identity. One of the most touching moments she shares is meeting her musical idol, pop star Sabrina Carpenter. This encounter is more than a fan’s dream come true, it’s a moment of connection, validation, and proof that inspiration can come full circle. Carpenter’s music became a soundtrack to Jade’s journey, and meeting her idol was symbolic of the strength Jade had carried all along.
Jade does not gloss over the hardships. Readers are brought into the weight of strict school safety measures, the anxiety of commuting independently, and the complexities of family relationships. These struggles paint a vivid picture of the resilience required to grow up trans and autistic in a world not always designed for inclusivity.
Yet, Becoming Jade also reminds us that joy can be found in unexpected places. Jade’s fascination with trains, her love of pop culture, and her delight in life’s simple routines all highlight how resilience isn’t just about enduring hardship, it’s also about celebrating small victories, embracing passions, and finding comfort in personal rituals.
While Jade’s story is deeply personal, the lessons she offers resonate universally. She transforms her experiences into a call to action, urging readers to live authentically and to foster kindness in their communities. Her message is clear: authenticity not only liberates the self but also uplifts others. One of the book’s most striking contributions is its environmental message. Jade encourages readers to engage in simple, tangible acts of care, like collecting bottles, cans, scrap metal, and “lucky money.” To her, these are more than practical ways to earn income; they are acts of stewardship that keep the planet clean, safe, and healthy. It’s a reminder that change begins with everyday actions and that collective effort can build a sustainable future.
At the heart of Becoming Jade is a philosophy rooted in love, not romantic love or fleeting passion, but a broader love that embraces all people. Jade advocates for sharing love with each person we encounter, avoiding the traps of lust, hatred, or division. Her outlook is both radical and refreshingly simple: kindness and compassion are the tools we all hold to make the world better.
In a time when trans voices are often silenced or misunderstood, Jade’s memoir offers a crucial perspective. It is a testament to resilience in the face of adversity, a celebration of individuality, and a roadmap for building a kinder world. Her writing resonates not only with trans and autistic readers who may see themselves reflected in her story, but also with anyone seeking the courage to live authentically.
Ultimately, Becoming Jade is more than a memoir, it is a gift. Through her words, EJ Jade Manalo extends a hand to every reader, reminding us that hope is found in authenticity, strength is forged in resilience, and change begins with compassion. Whether through her love of music, her fascination with trains, or her advocacy for sustainability, Jade shows us that the most powerful revolutions often begin with the smallest acts of courage.
Available via Amazon
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