Author and narrator Dr. Kit Heyam's incisive global history of transgender, intersex, and queer experiences, both lived and fictional, encourages listeners to reexamine the past with fresh eyes. Their companionable narration creates space for thoughtful engagement with the cultural, linguistic, and social factors that permeate our contemporary understanding of historical people and literary figures. Heyam weaves together their personal experiences in present-day England and carefully explored accounts from West Africa, Europe, the U.S., and Asia, along with scholarship from the communities featured. The author's rich work challenges the centrality of whiteness, Western ideologies, and the "burden of proof" in explorations of gender history and identities, advocating for an inclusive, more expansive understanding. This stimulating production is an outstanding entry into LGBTQIA+ history.
Pub Date: Sept. 13, 2022
Duration: 8 hrs
DD ISBN: 9781668612675
Publisher: Hachette Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Zoë Bossiere gives a quiet, thoughtful performance of their memoir about their trans boyhood in an Arizona trailer park. Their stories of boyhood in the desert are full of contradictions: the ease of being known and understood as a boy by their friends and neighbors, and the alienation caused by teachers who tried to force them into a gender that didn't fit. Their narration is understated but emotional. Their voice is full of tenderness for their younger self, and the adult understanding they bring to stories of their childhood adds layers of depth to already vivid scenes. The skill and nuance with which Bossiere shares their particular trans story is a moving, much-needed counterpoint to the idea that everyone's gender follows a simple linear trajectory.
Pub Date: June 25, 2024
Duration: 8 hrs, 45 mins
DD ISBN: 9798891788756
Publisher: Recorded Books Inc.
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Author and narrator CeCé Telfer shares her compelling and timely story in this candid memoir. Born in Jamaica, CeCé knew she was female from a very early age but faced cultural and family pressure to hide her authentic self. CeCé's delivery is passionate and raw; she doesn't shy away from heartbreaking details. However, her narration is disjointed in parts. As she travels from Jamaica to Canada and New Hampshire, she shares the intimate details of her life. Throughout this journey her passion for running and her talent on the track remain constants. Listeners will find themselves immersed in CeCé's story as they learn about the social and political factors that impact her ability to achieve her goal of competing in the Olympics.
Pub Date: June 18, 2024
Duration: 12 hrs, 15 mins
DD ISBN: 9781668641880
Publisher: Hachette Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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