And once again Susan has to determine how to "rate" someone's presentation of their own life! Ms. McBride offers an insight into her decision to come out as transgender, her transition, and what went on around her and how others reacted. She admits that she was extremely lucky to come from a place of privilege to support her journey. Frequently Sarah mentions the increased difficulties faced by people of color who are abused, ostracized, etc, in their quest to be their own true person and she recognizes that she was lucky. I appreciate that she acknowledges that her struggles don't define the struggles of all transgenders. Because of her occupation, the book includes a lot regarding the political fight for LGBTQ rights. On one hand, I liked that this was included because I was being educated but at some point it started to feel like it was taking away from Sarah's own story. It seemed that she realized she had this platform to make a presentation and wanted to cram in everything she ever wanted to get across in case she never ever had that opportunity again. I don't think that will be a problem and enjoyed the more personal parts, like her relationship with Andy, more.

A copy of this book was provided by Penguin First to Read in exchange for an honest review.

Sarah's story is compelling, authentic, and vulnerable. While this book is dense in policy at times, it is equally dense in heart. I felt the range of human emotion and feel more motivated than ever to advocate for full equality in all marginalized communities.

i really appreciated the acknowledgment of privilege here, with the specific emphasis placed on the experiences of trans women of color. a memoir is supposed to be personal, but sarah made the choice to extend the trans experience beyond the lens of a white trans woman. and that’s pretty cool.

TRANS RIGHTS TRANS RIGHTS TRANS RIGHTS

Sarah McBride is a true heroine

Sarah McBride, the first transgender senator, wrote this glowing memoir about her coming out, her rise in politics, her efforts towards change, her love and her loss. Sarah is a wonderful writer, the book held my attention at all times and had me in tears for most.

My favorite part of this book was how much it opened my eyes to the experience it is to be a transgender person. I will never know what that feels like firsthand, but recounting Sarah’s experience of coming out made it all the more real. Why do we make it so hard? Why do we even care to prevent someone being themselves? These are questions I already had before that have been exaggerated after reading the struggles of a transgender woman from a good family, a good education, a good country, etc. What does that mean for transgender people who don’t check these boxes of privilege? And why are we only making it harder? I am thankful for new administration and hopeful for what is to come for the LGBTQ+ community. I dream of a world where my children do not care to prevent someone from being who they are. I dream of acceptance, empathy, compassion and love.

In NC, I find myself in a community of conservative ideologies without much room for conversation when it comes to gender and sexuality. I’ve come to realize with the people I’m close to who are more conservative, it takes knowing and loving someone who is a member of the LGBTQ+ community for them to take the time to listen and love - because it’s always easy to condemn others until we hear their stories and feel their pain. I think this book is one for anyone with admiration or interest in the fight for equality within the LGBTQ+ community, but also a suggestion for those who struggle with transgender existence. Sarah’s story is beautiful, vulnerable, and eye-opening. I say this for every book but this one really spoke to my heart. Read it. follow me on IG @cal.reads