Being Jazz

My Life as a (Transgender) Teen

By: Jazz Jennings

Narrated by: Jazz Jennings

Teen activist and trailblazer Jazz Jennings - named one of The 25 Most Influential Teens of the year by Time - shares her very public transgender journey, as she inspires people to accept the differences in others while they embrace their own truths.

Jazz Jennings is one of the youngest and most prominent voices in the national discussion about gender identity. At the age of five, Jazz transitioned to life as a girl, with the support of her parents. A year later her parents allowed her to share her incredible journey in her first Barbara Walters interview, aired at a time when the public was much less knowledgeable about or accepting of the transgender community. This groundbreaking interview was followed over the years by other high-profile interviews, a documentary, the launch of her YouTube channel, a picture book, and her own reality TV series, I Am Jazz, making her one of the most recognizable activists for transgender teens, children, and adults.

In her remarkable memoir, Jazz reflects on these very public experiences and how they have helped shape the mainstream attitude toward the transgender community. But it hasn't all been easy. Jazz has faced many challenges, bullying, discrimination, and rejection, yet she perseveres as she educates others about her life as a transgender teen. Through it all her family has been beside her on this journey, standing together against those who don't understand the true meaning of tolerance and unconditional love. Now Jazz must learn to navigate the physical, social, and emotional upheavals of adolescence - particularly high school - complicated by the unique challenges of being a transgender teen. Making the journey from girl to woman is never easy - especially when you began your life in a boy's body.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2016 Jazz Jennings (P)2016 Listening Library

Critic reviews

"Jazz is a sensitive and courageous young woman. Her story is inspiring and important to read. By sharing her experiences and view she has added to our understanding and compassion for the transgender experience." (Barbara Walters)

"Jazz [is] an eloquent spokesperson for transgender kids." (Katie Couric)

"I wish I had had a book like this when I was a kid struggling with gender identity questions. I found it deeply moving in its simplicity and honesty." (Laverne Cox, acclaimed actress and transgender advocate)

Great story!

This was a great read. I only wish it was longer. Can't wait for her to write mire books as her journey continues.

Being Jazz audio book rocks

Absolutely love this. I'm transgender female and this inspired me. 5 stars for Jazz. 😁

WOW!

Jazz really opened up my eyes and my mind. I haven't understood transgender until now. Great book!

Articulate teen discusses her life as a transgender young person

This young woman gives transgender teens a voice. A good primer for adults trying to understand what it means to be transgender and an excellent book for our transgender young people. Jazz is an advocate for trans rights and a role model for all young people to be themselves regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. This is a very upbeat and affirming book & it is fun to hear the young authors’s authentic voice on the audiobook.

One of the most formative icons

Jazz Jennings has been nothing but herself through all these years people have been trying to get a reaction out of her trying to make her do something else, but she’s always just been herself, she’s funny and happy. She knows how to protect yourself and her book attest to the fact that people can’t break her spirit.

Eloquent and Well Thought Out

Young Ms. Jennings has created a body of work, including her life, of which to be extremely proud. Precocious almost to a fault, she has forged and followed a bigger life than most people four times her current age (which is fifteen.) This book is well written and edited, both traditionally speaking as well as with sound engineering. Informative, spirited and vivid enough to draw out memories of my own from parallel ages in my (non-transgender) life, listening to this book was similar to hanging out with one of my own extremely candid nieces. I definitely recommend listening to this book. One note, Jazz does speak a little bit quickly, but you can always change the speed on the meter while listening, so it's not truly a problem. Other great reads along the same lines are "Raising my Rainbow" and "Raising Ryland."

Word to Jazz, if you're reading this ... Everyone who is as intensely self-aware as you are experiences some degree of an existential crisis manifesting in some way or another. Just remember that your ripple, your legacy already is love.

Inspiring and a Joy to Listen To

I am a huge fan of the show and was very excited for the book. I love Jazz and her entire family. I am an avid advocate for LGBTQ rights and love all the world they are doing. Jazz does a wonderful job telling her story and j encourage anyone with questions about transgender topics to listen to this book. She is an inspiration and I will buy every book and watch every episode of I Am Jazz!

Amazing story- thank you for being YOU Jazz

I absolutely loved hearing your story. I have been involved with the LGBTQ community since 2010. One of the most amazing person in my life is a transgender who knew at a very young age she was born w/ a boy body but a girl brain. she did not socially and partially physically start her transformation till later in life. Momma Sammi is one of the most Amazing people ever. Your book really put new perspective on the issues trans youth face. You have an AMAZINGLY SUPPORTIVE FAMILY. I want to thank them also for everything that they do as well. Your children's book I feel should be part of EVERY SCHOOL CURRICULUM in the world.

A Must Read!

If you could sum up Being Jazz in three words, what would they be?

Boy to Girl

What did you like best about this story?

I loved listening to Jazz Jennings on Audible as she described her life's journey from a child to teen as transgender. Jazz's voice is authentic, real, honest, and a personality that is larger than life. She has a supportive family, is very involved in supporting transgender rights (accompanying her mother to Philadelphia to speak at conferences) and speaks and acts as a role model for other youth (and their families) like her. She has a very special voice that talks about the bullying and judgments made about her but she only asks for acceptance for herself and others. She is courageous, funny, smart and sensitive. I am going to check out her TV show and some of her YouTube videos. Highly recommended & a must read.

Which scene was your favorite?

Conference time in Philadelphia

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No, I worked out while I listened.

BEST BOOK EVER

I love how Jazz Jennings reads the book and how the story has meaning to it. I would recommend this book to everyone who supports LGBTQ+ 🏳️‍🌈 because it explains the difficulties of being transgender. Over all, this book is the best book I’ve ever read. Love you Jazz! You have inspired me to come out of my comfort zone and do things that I never have done before! P.S. I am also transgender and I face discrimination and bullying all day, everyday. I feel your pain. Also, I love your name and wish I had your name! 😍🥰🤗 -Caleb aka Jazz