Horn Book
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

In the irreverent voice of an occasionally profane favorite aunt, Dawson, a transgender woman, talks about her coming out process before presenting a comprehensive introduction to all things transgender. Discussion includes basic definitions; FAQs; a history lesson; the decidedly-not-cut-and-dried science of gender; and frank discussions of hormones, surgery, sex, legal issues, religion, violence, bathrooms, coming out, and more. Mini-bios from the "Transgender Hall of Fame" sprinkle the text, sidebars from guest explainers address related topics, and an informative section for parents and caregivers calms nerves. The appendix of websites and hotlines has an international slant (Dawson is British), while a reading list, glossary, references, and index (not seen) round out the humorous, eye-opening presentation. (c) Copyright 2023. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Book list
From Booklist, Copyright © American Library Association. Used with permission.

This guide to the truth about being trans is part memoir, part celebration, and all honesty. Author Dawson transitioned six years ago, and she candidly shares her experiences, along with definitions, explanations, and introductions to other trans individuals past and present. Dawson seeks to normalize, tackling misconceptions that arise from outdated biological, genetic, psychological, religious, and social assumptions. Her tone is breezy but informative, and her advice on coming out and living trans (on passing, pronouns, dating, legal documentation, intimacy) is practical and reassuring. One chapter addresses transphobia; another, medical considerations (hormone replacement therapies, puberty blockers, gender confirmation surgeries); and another, adult life decisions (careers, creating families, having children). Pages are filled with comparative charts, quizzes, and cartoons; numerous contributors share personal anecdotes. An especially notable feature is a section dedicated to parents and caregivers, offering conversation prompts and other supportive strategies. Back matter includes a list of annotated resources, a glossary, and chapter notes. This is a worthy companion to Dawson’s previous title, This Book Is Gay (2015).

Kirkus
Copyright © Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

A trans guidebook by a prolific trans British author. Dawson brings her signature breezy style to this nonfiction text. Like most books about the topic, it includes a brief, global history of gender diversity from a White, Western viewpoint; a sampling of medical procedures available for those wishing to physically transition; and advice on dating and coming out. While geared toward teenagers, the voice feels grounded in an adult’s perspective, littered with multiple references to the 2011 song “Born This Way” rather than exploring the new ways youth are understanding gender. Regular use of African American Vernacular English, present in the partially explained title itself, repackages queer Black culture in uncomfortable ways. At times Dawson reveals the limitations of her perspective: She encourages readers to report transphobic violence to the police, baselessly assures them that it’s “very, very rare” to receive a negative reaction after coming out, and calls being triggered “a more polite way of saying ‘pissed off.’ ” The Transgender Hall of Fame miniprofiles and interludes from other trans people attempt to inject a diversity of thought, though they skew heavily toward models and actresses; Caitlyn Jenner is called a “Reality Royal” who’s “occasionally controversial.” Andry’s cartoonlike illustrations are lively, frequently amusing, and depict people with diverse skin tones. Light in tone and covering much familiar ground. (resources, reading list, glossary, references, index) (Nonfiction. 13-18) Copyright © Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.