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

An unflinching and endearing memoir from LGBTQ+ advocate Jackson Bird about how, through a childhood of gender mishaps and an awkward adolescence, he finally sorted things out and came out as a transgender man in his mid-twenties.

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 having been raised 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.

Today, Jackson is a writer, YouTuber, and LGBTQ+ advocate living openly and happily as a transgender man. So how did he get here? In this remarkable, educational, and uplifting memoir, 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 he faced while trying to sort out his gender and sexuality, and worrying about how to interact with the world. 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. Through his captivating prose, Bird not only sheds light on the many facets of a transgender life, but also demonstrates the power and beauty in being yourself, even when you're not sure who "yourself" is.

Part memoir, part educational guide, Sorted is a frank, humorous narrative of growing up with some unintended baggage.

"Bird is a gentle and charming narrator, weaving the story of his own life together with enough educational asides to ensure that all of his readers can follow along. Sorted is thoughtful and affirming in its examination of evolving trans narratives and terminology, honoring both the past and present of trans identity. 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

"A soulful and heartfelt coming-of-age story that celebrates the enduring power of self-determination and dignity." Jamia Wilson, Director and Publisher of the Feminist Press

"[Bird's] tale of self-realization is one he fearlessly and relentlessly shares with the world--and the world is better for it. So it's no surprise that Sorted is as fresh, clear, funny, and essential as the man himself." Melissa Anelli, New York Times bestselling author of Harry, A History

"Jackson Bird doesn't have to share his life or any details about his transition with us, but we are so fortunate that he has. He's an incredible educator in the field of gender and sexuality where his patience and good-humor make everyone feel included in the conversation. This book is a particularly valuable resource for anyone looking for insights into the trans experience in order to support their loved ones." Paul DeGeorge, Harry and the Potters

Jackson Bird is a YouTube creator and LGBTQ+ advocate dedicated to demystifying the transgender experience. His TED Talk "How to talk (and listen) to transgender people" has been viewed over a million times. Jackson is a recipient of the GLAAD Rising Star Digital Innovator Award and lives in New York City. You can follow him online @JackIsNotABird.

When I was recording the audiobook for my debut book, Sorted: Growing Up, Coming Out, and Finding My Place, I happened to meet a professional audiobook reader who asked me a question that stuck with me...

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