11 of the Best Memoirs by Transgender and Nonbinary Artists

A warm mystery and romance author named CJ Connor whose main goal in life is to create their dog happy. They are both an Author Mentor Match R9 leader and a Pitch Wars student. From Kensington Books, they are releasing their album unknown, BOARD TO DEATH. Online: @cjconnorwrites | cjconnorwrites.com

Transgender Day of Visibility on March 31 is a celebration of trans and intersex happiness while raising consciousness of the prejudice that many people experience on a daily basis. Transgender users have access to personal experiences that mirror their personal, thanks to the stories of transgender artists. They’re essential for feeling understood and less only. They can also help to inspire more kindness in transgender readers by giving them a more in-depth understanding of trans issues.

Not sure where to start? The best autobiography by transgender and nonbinary writers are listed below, along with 11 others. These books examine gender identity and self- fulfillment alongside topics like marriage, job achievements, religious journeys, and more.

Are you interested in reading more transgender-centered ebooks? Check out the Must Read Works of Trans and Non-Binary Poets. There, you’ll get award-winning and genre-defining books that examine the complexity of trans personality, including Samantha Allen’s True Queer America: LGBT Stories from Red States and Ryka Aoki’s Light from Remarkable Stars.

Additionally, explore 7 of the Best Trans Story Books to find more nonfiction book references. You’ll learn about identity non-conformist individuals and personalities that have long been associated with given sex, such as Leslie Feinberg’s Black on Both Sides: A Cultural Story of Trans Identities and Transgender Warriors: Making Story from Joan of Arc to Dennis Rodman.

Redefining Realness cover

Redefining Realness: My Journey to Womanhood, Identity, Love, and So Much More by Janet Mock

Journalist Janet Mock reflects on her youth, her decision to move at 18 years old, and her voyage to personal- love and fulfillment. Her career’s main emphasis is on helping to advocate for LGBTQ children.

The Natural Mother of the Child cover

Krys Malcolm Belc’s The Natural Mother of the Child: A Memoir of Nonbinary Parenthood is available online.

As a transmatrix, Krys Malcolm Belc shares his experiences with pregnancy and first parenting. He looks at how maternity reinforced his non-binary personality in a program that treats trans people differently.

He/She/They cover

He/She/They: How We Speak About Gender and Why it Matters by Schuyler Bailar

As trans violence and anti-legislation become more prevalent, performer and dissident Schuyler Bailar shares his story and a plea to address transgender people with respect and compassion.

The Risk it takes to Bloom cover

The Danger it Takes to Bloom: On Life and Liberation by Raquel Willis

Rachel Willis, a dark trans activist, explores her experiences growing up in Georgia, coming out to herself and some in school, and using her words as a blogger to raise attention for violence against trans women of color and suicide prevention.

Tar Hollow Trans cover

Tar Hollow Trans: Essays by Stacy Jane Grover

Stacy Jane Grover, an essayist, perceives both her transgender and Appalachian identities as misunderstood and more complicated than they appear. She reflects on Appalachian customs and the memories that define her today after returning home.

A Trans Man Walks into a Gay Bar cover

A Trans Man Walks into a Gay Bar: A Journey of Self ( and Sexual ) Discovery by Harry Nicholas

Harry Nicholas describes how, after transitioning, he navigated the gay dating scene while putting his true self before pressured to become in his early 20s.

Horse Barbie cover

Horse Barbie by Geena Rocero

Geena Rocero moved to the United States, where she could legally change her name and gender marker after competing in pageants in her teenage years. Despite having a greater sense of safety from living covertly as a model, she ultimately came out as transgender for the freedom and joy that can be found in being real.

the cover of Pageboy

Pageboy by Elliot Page

Elliot Page, an actor, shares his journey to self-discovery, from when he first felt out of place in his body to finding joy and healing in his adult years. He also considers the abuse he’s experienced as an openly queer person in the film industry and the belonging he’s found in the transgender community.

None of the Above cover

None of the Above: Reflections on Life Beyond the Binary by Travis Alabanza

Travis Alabanza explores how people treat one another and how to change for the better by analyzing the seven most frequently asked questions by nonbinaries.

Beautiful Monster cover

Beautiful Monster: A Becoming by Miles Borrero

At 40 years old, Miles Borrero came out as a transgender man. This gave rise to reflection on his early experiences in Colombia, his early acting career in Salt Lake City, and his explorations of gender and spirituality in New York City.

She’s Not there cover

She’s Not There: A Life in Two Genders by Jennifer Finney Boylan

Author Jennifer Finney Boylan describes the ups and downs of her transition with a thoughtful and frequently humorous lens. Good Boy shares her relationship to seven dogs over the course of her life, and Stuck in the Middle with You explores gender identity.

Try to find more books by transgender and nonbinary authors to support and enjoy.