Sorted

Growing Up, Coming Out, and Finding My Place (A Transgender Memoir)

By: Jackson Bird

Narrated by: Jackson Bird

An unflinching and endearing memoir from LGBTQ+ advocate Jackson Bird about how he finally sorted things out and came out as a transgender man.

When Jackson Bird was twenty-five, he came out as transgender to his friends, family, and anyone in the world with an internet connection.

Assigned female at birth and raised as a girl, he often wondered if he should have been born a boy. Jackson didn’t share this thought with anyone because he didn’t think he could share it with anyone. Growing up in Texas in the 1990s, he had no transgender role models. He barely remembers meeting anyone who was openly gay, let alone being taught that transgender people existed outside of punchlines.

In this “soulful and heartfelt coming-of-age story” (Jamia Wilson, director and publisher of the Feminist Press), Jackson chronicles the ups and downs of growing up gender-confused. Illuminated by journal entries spanning childhood to adolescence to today, he candidly recalls the challenges and loneliness he endured as he came to terms with both his gender and his bisexual identity.

With warmth and wit, Jackson also recounts how he navigated the many obstacles and quirks of his transition—like figuring out how to have a chest binder delivered to his NYU dorm room and having an emotional breakdown at a Harry Potter fan convention. From his first shot of testosterone to his eventual top surgery, Jackson lets you in on every part of his journey—taking the time to explain trans terminology and little-known facts about gender and identity along the way.

“A compassionate, tender-hearted, and accessible book for anyone who might need a hand to hold as they walk through their own transition or the transition of a loved one” (Austin Chant, author of Peter Darling), Sorted demonstrates the power and beauty in being yourself, even when you’re not sure who “yourself” is.

A Great Read for Anyone

Jackson did an amazing job with both the writing and the delivery. It sounded natural but entertaining, and kept my attention throughout. It was personally very relatable as a transgender person while also being educational for people trying to learn more. It even opened my eyes to some new feelings that I hadn't come to fully understand myself. Hearing about Jackson's own doubts and fears helped me confront my own. His book gave me the final push of courage that I needed to come out to my family and helped me on my long journey of finding peace within myself. If you're trans or questioning, or you know someone who is, or even just looking to broaden your knowledge and understanding, I highly recommend giving this a listen as well as looking at Jackson's other platforms. He is a gem.

Read this book!

Or better yet, read AND listen to it. Read by the author, Jackson Bird's open, frank, and witty memoir is also one of the best lessons I've had on all the things cis people who want to be supportive of the LGBTQ+ community need to know. I'm guessing it's also great information for those seeking answers about their own trans journey. I wish this book could be on high school reading lists, but alas we're a too puritanical society for that. Barring that, let's put it on every summer "required reading list" we can find!

Thought-provoking

I really liked how candid Jackson was in his life story as a trans man. As a nonbinary trans man I can kind of relate. I think if you're looking for a a nice LGBT autobiography this is it!

Great first hand account

As a trans man, it’s truly inspiring and down eight helpful to be able to read first hand and personal accounts of other guy’s transitions. I’m thankful to have loving and supporting friends but no one else quite gets it like a fellow trans person. Thanks Jackson! I highly recommend this book.

Yes. Just yes.

Educational.
Funny.
Heartfelt.
Uplifting.
Beautiful.
Captivating.
Validating.
Thank you for sharing and continuing to inspire and inform❤️🏳️‍⚧️

Relatable doesn’t even begin to describe it.