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.
Full title: "Beyond The Binary Code" by Nicole Johnson.
"The book takes you on a deeply personal and thought-provoking journey of transcending the rigid confines of assigned labels and embracing the fluidity of self-discovery. This isn't just a story about transitioning from male to female; it's a vibrant story woven with threads of identity, vulnerability, and ultimately, self-acceptance. Stepping beyond the limitations of binary code, I delve into the intricate landscape of questioning, exploring, and ultimately defining who they are.
We witness the internal battles waged against societal expectations, the blossoming of self-awareness, and the courageous decision to break free from imposed limitations. This book is more than just a memoir; it's a conversation starter. It offers a window into the challenges and triumphs that many individuals navigating similar journeys face. Through honest and candid prose, Nicole Johnson challenges preconceived notions about gender, identity, and belonging, urging readers to reconsider the often-restrictive codes we all operate under."
2024,
English,
Nicole Johnson,
Full title: "Make It Count: My Fight to Become the First Transgender Olympic Runner" by Cecé Telfer.
"By turns harrowing and hopeful, MAKE IT COUNT is the inspiring story of the first openly transgender woman to win a NCAA title, following her traditional upbringing in Jamaica, her fight to become a US citizen, and her efforts to achieve her Olympic dreams. CeCé Telfer is a warrior. The first openly transgender woman to win an NCAA championship, she has contended with transphobia on and off the track since childhood.
Now, she stands at the crossroads of a national and international conversation about equity in sports, forced to advocate for her personhood and rights at every turn. After spending years training for the 2024 Olympics, Telfer has been sidelined and silenced more times than she can count. But she's never been good at taking no for an answer.
2024,
Cecé Telfer,
English,
Jamaica,
Full title: "If There's No Heaven" by Barbara Marie Minney.
"After almost thirty six years, I began writing poetry again as a means of documenting and processing my thoughts, feelings, struggles, and triumphs during my transition to living authentically as the woman that God always intended me to be. I began my transition at the age of sixty three after repressing my true gender identity for over sixty years, and the poetry in this book charts the first two years of that journey. My poetry is also a challenge to stereotypical beliefs and to accept other people for who and what they are. I am a Christian and conservative leaning, which has caused me to be shunned by my community. My poetry is also a challenge to unapologetically and proudly accept and love yourself for who you are."
2020,
Barbara Marie Minney,
English,
Interview,
Full title: "Mercury Stardust Biography" by Gino Matthew.
"If you feel fascinated about the remarkable life of Mercury Stardust and feel like you need to have an in-depth view into her story, then you wouldn't afford to miss this book.
Mercury Stardust, transgender activist, burlesque performer, and DIY expert Suzanne Stardust hails from the United States. She is known as the "Trans Handy Ma'am" on TikTok for her DIY home repair tutorials."
2023,
English,
Gino Matthew,
Mercury Stardust,
Full title: "Not Ded Aslepe" by Iden Crockett.
"Not Ded Aslepe is an illustrated collection of poetry chronicling the author's emotions as she explores her gender, PTSD, OSDD, eating disorder, self injury, love, sexuality, and friendship. The collection is centered around the non-linear poetic narrative of the author and her primary other. The story unfolds through the meeting of this shadow sister, attempting to resist their influence, and ultimately accepting Them as a part of themselves.
his collection is a frank and unflinching look into one person's struggle to discover themselves while maintaining sanity. It is a celebration of love and sexuality, queerness, gender expression, and a powerful commentary on the duality of the soul.
This collection features eighty poems and is beautifully illustrated with nearly thirty original digital collages. The artwork for this collection was created by the author and is a re-interpretation of previously created work. Words and images combine to create a profoundly affecting piece of art. Not Ded Aslepe is a truly honest look at the author's mind. All of the beauty, horror, sensuality, and joy of a life is on display here."
2023,
English,
Iden Crockett,
Interview,
Full title: "Amy Schneider: Dual Life as Writer and Game Contestant" by Karen McKie.
"In a world where curiosity and competitive spirit intertwine, Amy Schneider emerges as a captivating figure, a writer by day and a game show champion by night. Her journey is a testament to the power of knowledge, the thrill of competition, and the resilience of the human spirit.
Born in Dayton, Ohio, Amy Schneider's love for words blossomed early, nurtured by a passion for reading and exploring the vast expanse of language.
She honed her writing skills, crafting stories and essays that captivated readers, her words painting vivid pictures and stirring emotions.
Yet, alongside her literary talents, Amy harbored a secret fascination with the world of trivia and game shows. The thrill of competition, the challenge of answering questions under pressure, and the joy of intellectual discovery ignited a spark within her."
2023,
Amy Schneider,
English,
Karen McKie,
Full title: "Bernie Wagenblast's Transformative Expedition: Resonances Below Ground: A Voice Discovering Its Harmony" by Richard M Hunter.
"Descend inside the subway system at the center of New York City, where the sounds of millions of stories are mixed with the roar of trains. We meet Bernie Wagenblast here, in the midst of the busy platforms and flickering fluorescent lights—the voice that leads travelers through the underground veins of the city.
However, "Bernie" is only a whisper, hiding the lady who is desperate to be free: Beatrice. A moving and engrossing journey through Bernie's metamorphosis, Echoes in the Underground is a symphony of emotions set against the backdrop of a world in upheaval. See his inner battles as he juggles his own need for authenticity with society's expectations. Sensitize to the quiver in his voice as he leaves the mask of "Bernie" and enters the platform as Beatrice, her voice now free to soar instead of being limited to announcements. This is a tapestry made of the threads of innumerable people impacted by Bernie's courage, not just her narrative. Watch how her transition encourages a young trans woman to speak up, deepens the relationship between a father and daughter, and challenges the city's systemic racism."
2024,
Bernie Wagenblast,
English,
Interview,
Richard M Hunter,
Full title: "RuPaul: The Biography of RuPaul" by Fred W. Smith.
"RuPaul: The Unveiling of Royalty" takes readers on an extraordinary journey through the life and legacy of the iconic drag superstar. In this revealing biography, the glittering facade of RuPaul is peeled away, uncovering the layers of resilience, creativity, and authenticity that have defined an unparalleled career.
From the early struggles in San Diego to the dazzling lights of the mainstream stage, the book explores RuPaul's rise to global stardom.
Delving into the world of drag, the pages unfold a narrative of self-discovery, empowerment, and the relentless pursuit of individuality in the face of societal norms.
Readers will witness RuPaul's fashion-forward evolution, challenging conventions and leaving an indelible mark on the runway. Beyond the glamorous exterior, the book unveils the complexities of a multifaceted personality - a mentor, advocate, and cultural force who has shaped the very fabric of drag culture."
2024,
Drag queen,
English,
Fred W. Smith,
RuPaul,
Full title: "Danica Roem: Biography Book. The Inspiring Story of Danica Roem, America’s First Transgender State Senator" by Tyler Rowell.
"As the first openly transgender person elected to both the Virginia Senate and General Assembly, Danica Roem is a politician and journalist who made history. She represents the Thirty-first district in the Senate and the Thirteenth district in the House of Delegates.
She is a Democrat. She loves yoga and performs heavy metal as a vocalist. However, she was a young child who grew up in Manassas, Virginia, a city with a rich history and a varied culture, before she became a political trailblazer."
2023,
Danica Roem,
English,
Tyler Rowell,
Full title: "The Murder Mystery of Brianna Ghey: Unraveling The Mystery Behind The Ugly Incident That Led To The Murder of The 16-Year-Old British Transgender Girl" by Matt Gregg.
"Unveiling the tragic tale of a 16-year-old British transgender girl, this narrative weaves through the intricate threads of Brianna's life, the heart-wrenching details of her murder, and the relentless pursuit of justice that ensued. In the face of adversity and societal prejudice, Brianna's story emerges as a poignant testament to the resilience of the human spirit. The chilling crime that befell her becomes a battleground for truth, with a cast of dedicated investigators determined to bring justice to a life unjustly taken. As you turn each page, you'll be drawn into the depths of the investigation, grappling with the raw emotions that surround Brianna's story."
2023,
Brianna Ghey,
English,
Matt Gregg,
Full title: "Huntеr Schafer Lеgacy: A Chroniclеs Modеl, Actrеss, and LGBTQ Activist" by Sophia Hartcrown.
"Divе into thе mеsmеrizing tapеstry of Huntеr Schafеr's lifе, whеrе еvеry chaptеr unfolds a nеw facеt of lеgacy, couragе, and rеsiliеncе. In "Huntеr Schafеr Lеgacy: A Chroniclеs Modеl, Actrеss, and LGBTQ Activist", wе еmbark on a captivating journеy through thе еxtraordinary lifе of a trailblazеr.
From thе hеart of North Carolina, whеrе Huntеr's еarly activism against discrimination took root, to thе glitzy world of high fashion and thе pulsating еnеrgy of Hollywood, this chroniclе is a tеstamеnt to thе triumphs of idеntity and thе powеr of advocacy."
2024,
English,
Huntеr Schafеr,
Sophia Hartcrown,
Full title: "Transformers: More than meets the eye" by Ellen Adele Harper.
"Curious about changing gender? Here's one woman's story, in pictures and words. Ellen Adele Harper is a poet, novelist, spoken word artist, musician, scientist, activist, and transgender shaman."
2023,
Ellen Adele Harper,
English,
Full title: "Inside Out: The Extraordinary Legacy of April Ashley: The boy who became the most famous woman in the world" by Douglas Thompson.
It was the first biography of April Ashley, written by Duncan Fallowell and April Ashley herself.
"April Ashley was a trailblazing figure in the history of transgender rights and advocacy. Born in 1935 in Liverpool, Ashley was assigned male at birth, but knew from a young age that she identified as a woman. At the age of sixteen, April left home and began her journey of self-discovery, eventually transitioning and undergoing gender-reassignment surgery in 1960.
She became one of the first British people to undergo the procedure, which was illegal at the time in the UK. April's transition was met with both admiration and hostility from the media and the public. Despite facing discrimination and transphobia, she remained dedicated to promoting trans visibility and acceptance. In the 1960s, she moved to Paris and became a successful model and cabaret performer, rubbing shoulders with the likes of Salvador Dalí and Jean Cocteau.
2024,
April Ashley,
Douglas Thompson,
English,
Full title: "Trans Power: Own Your Gender" by Juno Roche.
"'All those layers of expectation that are thrust upon us; boy, masculine, femme, transgender, sexual, woman, real, are such a weight to carry round. I feel transgressive. I feel hybrid. I feel trans.' In this radical and emotionally raw book, Juno Roche pushes the boundaries of trans representation by redefining 'trans' as an identity with its own power and strength, that goes beyond the gender binary.
Through intimate conversations with leading and influential figures in the trans community, such as Kate Bornstein, Travis Alabanza, Josephine Jones, Glamrou and E-J Scott, this book highlights the diversity of trans identities and experiences with regard to love, bodies, sex, race and class, and urges trans people - and the world at large - to embrace a 'trans' identity as something that offers empowerment and autonomy. Powerfully written, and with humour and advice throughout, this book is essential reading for anyone interested in the future of gender and how we identify ourselves."
2019,
E-J Scott,
English,
Glamrou,
Josephine Jones,
Juno Roche,
Kate Bornstein,
Travis Alabanza,
Full title: "A Small Step in a Long Journey: A Memoir by Akkai Padmashali" by Akkai Padmashali.
"More than just an autobiography or memoir, this is a powerful and passionate account of one woman’s battle to claim her identity and place in society. In A Small Step in a Long Journey, Akkai Padmashali, a trans rights activist and campaigner, thinker, writer, poet, and actor, throws out a challenge to society, demanding not sympathy or pity but acceptance, recognition, and respect.
Brutally honest and self-critical, Akkai’s writing is a political act in which she lays bare the hurt, humiliation, confusion, insult, love, solidarity and joy that went into making her who she is today.
Time and again Akkai asserts that her story is not just her story. What we call gender and sexuality, she says, ‘is a journey we all travel’, one that connects our personal and political lives, and one that helps us to face difficult, disturbing questions about prejudice and privilege."
2022,
Akkai Padmashali,
English,
India,
Full title: "Wondrous Transformations: A Maverick Physician, the Science of Hormones, and the Birth of the Transgender Revolution" by Alison Li.
"Harry Benjamin (1885–1986), a German-born endocrinologist, was a pivotal figure in the development of transgender medicine. He was a physician to transgender pioneers such as Christine Jorgensen, the 1950s "Ex-GI" turned "Blonde Beauty" media sensation, and in turn, she and other collaborators helped to shape Benjamin's influential 1966 book, The Transsexual Phenomenon. Alison Li's much-needed biography of Benjamin chronicles his passion for hormones and his lifelong interest in sexology.
Drawing from extensive research in archival documents, secondary sources, and interviews, Li tells the story of Benjamin's early ventures in gerontology and his later work with over a thousand transgender patients. Benjamin's contributions to treatment, education, research, and networking helped to create the institutional foundations of transgender medicine. Moreover, they set the stage for a radical reconsideration of gender identity, challenging us to reflect upon what it is to be male or female and to envision moving beyond these long-held categories."
2023,
Alison Li,
Christine Jorgensen,
English,
Full title: "Holy Wild" by Gwen Benaway.
"In her third collection of poetry, Holy Wild, Gwen Benaway explores the complexities of being an Indigenous trans woman in expansive lyric poems. She holds up the Indigenous trans body as a site of struggle, liberation, and beauty. A confessional poet, Benaway narrates her sexual and romantic intimacies with partners as well as her work to navigate the daily burden of transphobia and violence.
She examines the intersections of Indigenous and trans experience through autobiographical poems and continues to speak to the legacy of abuse, violence, and colonial erasure that defines Canada. Her sparse lines, interwoven with English and Anishinaabemowin (Ojibwe), illustrate the wonder and power of Indigenous trans womanhood in motion. Holy Wild is not an easy book, as Benaway refuses to give any simple answers, but it is a profoundly vibrant and beautiful work filled with a transcendent grace."
Gwen Benaway is a Canadian poet, writer, and advocate for the rights of transgender and Indigenous people. She was born in Wingham, Ontario, Canada, and is of Anishinaabe and Métis descent. Benaway is known for her work that explores themes of identity, love, and trauma, often drawing from her personal experiences as a trans woman and Indigenous person. She has published several collections of poetry, including "Ceremonies for the Dead," which won the 2016 Dayne Ogilvie Prize for LGBTQ Emerging Writers.
Her poetry often reflects on the intersections of her identity and the challenges faced by Indigenous and transgender communities. In addition to her work as a writer, Gwen Benaway is an advocate for the rights of Indigenous and LGBTQ+ individuals. She has been involved in community organizing and activism, addressing issues such as violence against Indigenous women and the rights of trans people.
2018,
Canada,
English,
Gwen Benaway,
Full title: "Trans Love: An Anthology of Transgender and Non-Binary Voices" by Freiya Benson.
"A ground-breaking anthology of writing on the topic of love, written by trans and non-binary people who share their thoughts, feelings and experiences of love in all its guises. The collection spans familial, romantic, spiritual and self-love as well as friendships and ally love, to provide a broad and honest understanding of how trans people navigate love and relationships, and what love means to them.
Reclaiming what love means to trans people, this book provokes conversations that are not reflected in what is presently written, moving the narrative around trans identities away from sensationalism. At once intimate and radical, and both humorous and poignant, this book is for anyone who has loved, who is in love, and who is looking for love."
2019,
English,
Freiya Benson,
Full title: "Transgender in India: Achievers and Survivors" by IAS Dr C K Gariyali and Priyadarshini Rajkumar.
"The book, "Transgender — Achievers and Survivors" is authors’ tribute to the transgender community who have suffered immense indignities and discrimination in India starting from the decline of Mughal Empire when the British Raj imposed the 16th century anti-buggery law upon them.
They were criminalized and prevented from following their traditional profession, wearing female attire or performing in public and reduced to penury and ignominy. This situation continued in free India till 2014, when the Supreme Court passed its momentous judgement.
2021,
English,
IAS Dr C K Gariyali,
India,
Priyadarshini Rajkumar,
Full title: "God Loves Everyone (And Me)" by Stephanie Mott.
"This collection of faith writings by Stephanie Mott is presented in the hope to create the understanding that all people are worthy of God’s love, that excluding anyone from God’s love is a way of rejecting God, and that you can be transgender and have an amazing, loving relationship with God!"
Stephanie Mott was a mental health clinician, LGBTQ advocate and prolific public speaker who traveled the country to share her experiences as a transgender Christian woman. She served as the vice chair of Equality Kansas, chaired the LGBTQ caucus of the Kansas Democrats and founded the Kansas Statewide Transgender Equality Project. She passed away on March 4, 2019 at the age of 61 after suffering a heart attack.
2015,
English,
Stephanie Mott,
