Authentic Selves

Celebrating Trans and Nonbinary People and Their Families

De: Peggy Gillespie, Jazz Jennings - foreword, Jeanette Jennings - foreword

Narrado por: Beckett Isaiah Arnold, Dominique Dibbell

Groundbreaking in its depictions of joy and community, Authentic Selves celebrates trans and nonbinary people and their families in their own words. Foreword by transgender activist Jazz Jennings and her mom and fellow activist, Jeanette Jennings.

So often trans and nonbinary people’s stories are told only through the lens of their struggles and challenges, including their political battles for legal rights, but trans and nonbinary people live rich and fulfilling lives full of joy and community too. This audiobook edition of Authentic Selves: Celebrating Trans and Nonbinary People and Their Families is a sweeping compilation of life stories of trans and nonbinary people, as well as their partners, parents, children, siblings, and chosen family members.

The compelling stories in Authentic Selves provide a glimpse into the real lives, both the challenges and the triumphs, of these remarkable people and their families—people like U.S. Congresswoman Sarah McBride, disability justice advocate Parker Glick, drag entertainer TAYLOR ALXNDR, September 11th first responder Jozeppi Angelo Morelli, model Lana Patel, youth activist Elliott Bertrand, and so many others—all of whom are working to create a more just, diverse, and compassionate world.

Developed in collaboration with PFLAG National and Transgender Legal Defense & Education Fund.

©2023 Peggy Gillespie, Jazz Jennings, Jeanette Jennings (P)2024 Skinner House Books

Reseñas de la Crítica

“Authentic Selves is exquisite proof that transgender and nonbinary people don’t have to ask for permission to participate in the creativity of our own survival. Here are our families. Here is our love. There’s no denying." —Taylor Mac, theatre artist and author of Joy and Pandemic, Gary: A Sequel to Titus Andronicus, and A 24-Decade History of Popular Music, among others

“Peggy Gillespie continues her pioneering work, this time by offering a safe space for trans and nonbinary people and their families to discuss the joys and challenges of openly living their authentic lives. These inspiring accounts offer indisputable proof that love conquers all. The words and photographs found here have the potential to save lives and make the world a safer place for everyone.” —Lesléa Newman, author of Heather Has Two Mommies and Sparkle Boy

“As a Black, genderqueer woman, I had no role models or positive representation of what it meant to be someone who identified outside of the binary. For me, the lack of visibility for those who were just like me led to a long and arduous road to self-acceptance. . . . I wish I had a book like Authentic Selves on my journey. The beautiful images in this book are more than pictures; they represent freedom. The stories in this book are not merely words but medicine for our wounds created by a society that's not yet ready to accept our truth. It's critical that we see and learn about the full spectrum of our identities; it is just as essential for the world to see.” —Stacey Stevenson, CEO of Family Equality