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Bloomsbury Publishing PLC Transitional My Story.
In this thought-provoking, timely book, model and activist Munroe Bergdorf reflects on individuality, evolution, and the ever-changing nature of identity, revealing how they have shaped her own lived experience and how society shapes—and is shaped by—each.
“Sometimes, not often, but sometimes, I ask myself this what if I'd just done nothing?”
When Munroe Bergdorf began to transition in 2009, her only goal was blending in. She wanted nothing more than to “pass”—to be perceived as the gender by which she identified. “I was of the mindset that in order to transition successfully I needed to change other people’s perception of who I was.”
More than a decade later, Bergdorf has reconsidered that thinking. “We do not all of a sudden become a whole different person upon the realization of our transness. . . . As time goes on, we all develop as people. And it struck me that none of us ever becomes someone else entirely—regardless of how we identify—but nor do we stay the same forever, either.” For Bergdorf, transitioning is an ingrained part of the human experience, not just a process that only trans people go through. It’s universal. Everyone changes.
Part memoir, part big idea book, Transitional explores the nature of transition, its significance in Bergdorf’s life, how it impacts—and is considered and influenced by—society, and what it means for our own experiences. Bergdorf explains how she came to revise her outlook and examines how society views change in six vital areas of human experience—adolescence, sexuality, gender, relationships, identity, and race. Using an intersectional approach, she deconstructs the stigma, bias, and prejudice within ourselves and one another, and redefines what it means to be “transitional.”
Ultimately, Bergdorf seeks to bring us closer to a shared consciousness. Transitional reminds us that our unique differences give us power and shows how these differences can be harnessed as a tool to heal, build community, inspire personal growth, and forge a path for progress forward together.
“Sometimes, not often, but sometimes, I ask myself this what if I'd just done nothing?”
When Munroe Bergdorf began to transition in 2009, her only goal was blending in. She wanted nothing more than to “pass”—to be perceived as the gender by which she identified. “I was of the mindset that in order to transition successfully I needed to change other people’s perception of who I was.”
More than a decade later, Bergdorf has reconsidered that thinking. “We do not all of a sudden become a whole different person upon the realization of our transness. . . . As time goes on, we all develop as people. And it struck me that none of us ever becomes someone else entirely—regardless of how we identify—but nor do we stay the same forever, either.” For Bergdorf, transitioning is an ingrained part of the human experience, not just a process that only trans people go through. It’s universal. Everyone changes.
Part memoir, part big idea book, Transitional explores the nature of transition, its significance in Bergdorf’s life, how it impacts—and is considered and influenced by—society, and what it means for our own experiences. Bergdorf explains how she came to revise her outlook and examines how society views change in six vital areas of human experience—adolescence, sexuality, gender, relationships, identity, and race. Using an intersectional approach, she deconstructs the stigma, bias, and prejudice within ourselves and one another, and redefines what it means to be “transitional.”
Ultimately, Bergdorf seeks to bring us closer to a shared consciousness. Transitional reminds us that our unique differences give us power and shows how these differences can be harnessed as a tool to heal, build community, inspire personal growth, and forge a path for progress forward together.
224 pages, Paperback
First published February 1, 2023
22 people are currently reading
2216 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews
October 10, 2023
I really wanted to love this but unfortunately I didn't. It was interesting and informative but didn't fully meet my expectations.
This seemed to be a memoir of sorts but lacked the depth and richness of a memoir. It felt like a lot wasn't said or expanded upon which would have benefited the book if it was. As a result I didn't feel like I got to know Munroe Bergdort by reading this book
This seemed to be a memoir of sorts but lacked the depth and richness of a memoir. It felt like a lot wasn't said or expanded upon which would have benefited the book if it was. As a result I didn't feel like I got to know Munroe Bergdort by reading this book
November 15, 2022
Can’t wait to read this book. Trying to balance out the bot reviews.
February 23, 2023
This is a badly written book; it’s poorly structured and it was a struggle to finish. I bought it thinking it was a memoir or autobiography but it’s actually “reflections from her own life”, so the life story we’re given is incomplete, somewhat self-serving and feels dishonest. I was wondering why, two thirds through the (short) book, it wasn’t clear why the writer had chosen to reveal so little of herself and to hide behind her political values, when I realised she had produced a version of her life suitable for her current and future employers. It’s unfortunate as I’m sure her actual life story is more interesting than the sanitised version presented here. The book really only comes alive in a brief section about Pxssy Palace in the final chapter. There’s a better book to be written here and a more authentic one, in time.
May 25, 2025
⭐⭐⭐.5
trigger warnings: SA, child SA, ED, mental illness and stigma, addiction, violence against women, violence against LGBTQ people
trigger warnings: SA, child SA, ED, mental illness and stigma, addiction, violence against women, violence against LGBTQ people
February 13, 2023
“Transitional” by @munroebergdorf Munroe Bergdorf . Her story of growing up as a queer kid of colour in the UK in the late 80s onwards. The first trans woman of colour to model for L’Oreal then subsequently dumped when she spoke out about racism - only to get them to apologize and re hire once people actually began accepting that systemic racism is and has always happened . As a cis gender white woman with a trans daughter this was a hard listen at times BUT it’s a dialogue we should ALL be listening to and taking part in. This book is slated for publication on 16th Feb in UK and 21st in Canada Thanks to @talismanonpender @librofm @harpercollins @harpercollinsca @harperaudio for the advanced listening copy #ALC of this book #readmorebooks #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #lbgtq #translivesmatter #blacklivesmatter #blm
June 19, 2025
“My decision to transition was a life adjustment, not a life change. We do not all of a sudden become a whole different person upon the realisation of our transness. None of us becomes a whole different person the moment we start presenting ourselves in a way that aligns with who we are on the inside. We do not change just because people start to see us differently from how they initially perceived us. And what struck me when I started to contemplate these ideas around my transition, was just how deeply transitioning is ingrained in our human experience. It is not a process that only trans people go through: transitioning is universal.” (p. 2)
December 13, 2025
I enjoyed this because it was so interesting to hear about such a fascinating life, and to learn more about the experience of growing up trans in 90s and 2000s UK. Some great insights. However, some of the ideas felt half-finished, and it jumped around a bit. The writing was fine but not fantastic.
March 18, 2023
Transitional is a memoir and manifesto by Munroe Bergdorf, trans model and activist, exploring her childhood and growing up, finding love, sex, and fame, and living as a Black woman. Each chapter is focused on a theme—'Adolescence', 'Love', 'Gender', 'Race' etc—and is mostly a memoir, with some parts moving more into guide and manifesto around the central theme of the idea that everyone transitions in some way.
I was expecting from the blurb for this to be more of a manifesto than a memoir, when really it's the other way around for a lot of the book, with a lot focused on Bergdorf's own experiences and drawing out her conclusions from that, but by the end the book moves more towards her activism and the importance of activism and spaces and communities for making change. From growing up black in a mostly white area to being fired by L'Oréal for a social media post denouncing racism, the parts exploring race and racism were particularly interesting, and by the end of the book this is connected up with Black feminist theory, linking personal together with theory. At other points in the book, there were some generalised statements about how, people are viewed in society that felt less backed up, for example how bisexuality and gender intersect, and it would've been good to know if that was based on statistics or was more of an opinion as it was presented as a fact without comment.
There are a fair number of mainstream trans memoirs out there now and this one goes over a lot of the expected areas—growing up, sex, transitioning, mental health—whilst also getting into things like the fashion industry and social media algorithms. It covers a lot in a short space, and whilst I wish there was more within the book to build upon the idea from the introduction and ending that everyone transitions in life, it offers an insight into Bergdorf's life and what has impacted her life.
I was expecting from the blurb for this to be more of a manifesto than a memoir, when really it's the other way around for a lot of the book, with a lot focused on Bergdorf's own experiences and drawing out her conclusions from that, but by the end the book moves more towards her activism and the importance of activism and spaces and communities for making change. From growing up black in a mostly white area to being fired by L'Oréal for a social media post denouncing racism, the parts exploring race and racism were particularly interesting, and by the end of the book this is connected up with Black feminist theory, linking personal together with theory. At other points in the book, there were some generalised statements about how, people are viewed in society that felt less backed up, for example how bisexuality and gender intersect, and it would've been good to know if that was based on statistics or was more of an opinion as it was presented as a fact without comment.
There are a fair number of mainstream trans memoirs out there now and this one goes over a lot of the expected areas—growing up, sex, transitioning, mental health—whilst also getting into things like the fashion industry and social media algorithms. It covers a lot in a short space, and whilst I wish there was more within the book to build upon the idea from the introduction and ending that everyone transitions in life, it offers an insight into Bergdorf's life and what has impacted her life.
June 27, 2023
Sort of memoir, sort of manifesto, from trans model and activist Munroe Bergdorf. This is fairly short and easy to read (she's very good at making complex ideas very accessible) so I've given a high rating despite it's limitations as there's good stuff in there and I leant a lot.
Essentially though, it feels like it was rushed out – there's a better book in here somewhere. She is very open but you don't come away feeling like you know her at all, and the structure is a bit all over the place. I hope Bergdorf will write a proper memoir when she's ready, as I'd be keen to read it.
Essentially though, it feels like it was rushed out – there's a better book in here somewhere. She is very open but you don't come away feeling like you know her at all, and the structure is a bit all over the place. I hope Bergdorf will write a proper memoir when she's ready, as I'd be keen to read it.
April 12, 2023
I started this book knowing that I wouldn’t necessarily agree with the all the author’s views, but I feel that’s exactly why I should read it. It’s important to experience the viewpoints of others.
The story of Munroe’s life is fascinating, often heartbreaking, and told beautifully, with such intimacy. Many of her views and observations on how society works (or doesn’t) were insightful and struck a chord. As expected, there were some that I couldn’t agree with, and there was one stand-out factual error that an editor should have corrected.
But overall, I’m glad to have read the book, and feel that I’ve gained some insight.
The story of Munroe’s life is fascinating, often heartbreaking, and told beautifully, with such intimacy. Many of her views and observations on how society works (or doesn’t) were insightful and struck a chord. As expected, there were some that I couldn’t agree with, and there was one stand-out factual error that an editor should have corrected.
But overall, I’m glad to have read the book, and feel that I’ve gained some insight.
February 21, 2023
* I was kindly sent a copy of this book as part of a read along with Tandem Collective on Instagram
This book is an absolute gem and a must read! Exploring race, gender, lgbtq+ rights, and many other significantly important issues, Transitional is Munroe Bergdorf’s powerful story about how she overcame challenges and how she fought for equality and change. This book is educational, authentic, and absolutely incredible.
This book is an absolute gem and a must read! Exploring race, gender, lgbtq+ rights, and many other significantly important issues, Transitional is Munroe Bergdorf’s powerful story about how she overcame challenges and how she fought for equality and change. This book is educational, authentic, and absolutely incredible.
April 10, 2023
I always find it difficult to critique someone's memoir when it's their life, and they have chosen where to draw the lines in terms of sharing. That being said, I feel like Munroe really held back in terms of what was shared. She describes a period where she was suicidal and then sectioned. The next paragraph literally jumps forward with "I got through university and graduated with a 2:1".
I feel like this book is informative and concepts like intersectionality and transgender experience are well written, but the book lacked something I'm not sure I can put my finger on.
I think this is another case of someone with an online presence being encouraged to write a book, when actually they could write a much better book in a few more years.
Book provided by NetGalley.
I feel like this book is informative and concepts like intersectionality and transgender experience are well written, but the book lacked something I'm not sure I can put my finger on.
I think this is another case of someone with an online presence being encouraged to write a book, when actually they could write a much better book in a few more years.
Book provided by NetGalley.
April 20, 2023
This is a brutally honest reflection on life. This is not a memoir, so if you’re looking for a life story, this probably isn’t it. This is anecdotes about different facets of transition in life.
This book discusses really hard topics relating to growing up a black trans kid in the 80s. It discusses discrimination still today and how performative activism isn’t enough.
I thought this was an interesting book. It is a great perspective on life, and gives unique insights on living. However, I felt the writing wasn’t well done in parts, and couldn’t get past some of the issues with the writing itself.
This book discusses really hard topics relating to growing up a black trans kid in the 80s. It discusses discrimination still today and how performative activism isn’t enough.
I thought this was an interesting book. It is a great perspective on life, and gives unique insights on living. However, I felt the writing wasn’t well done in parts, and couldn’t get past some of the issues with the writing itself.
July 11, 2023
I wanted to rate this higher. I love Munroe, I loved the content around her own life but I wanted MORE.
A 3.5 really, the structure and poor editing made it harder to read.
Ultimately, there are a lot of important points raised in this book, I just wish it went a little deeper.
A 3.5 really, the structure and poor editing made it harder to read.
Ultimately, there are a lot of important points raised in this book, I just wish it went a little deeper.
August 6, 2023
Found this book tricky - although I was fascinated and moved by Munroe’s story, I found it an uncomfortable read as the story line jumped more than occasionally making it difficult to follow.
April 29, 2025
It took me a while to get into it, at first I just thought it was a memoir, dabbling in discussing social and political issues - which it is - but it’s so much more than that. I think its primary value is in offering a representation she talks about never quite existing before. Whilst I’m not black or trans, just as a gay man there were parts I could personally understand. In times like today it’s vital we listen to black, trans, and queer voices on the issues she raises, and Bergdorf is an exceptional voice to listen to. Plus, she signed my copy, and told me she loved my Lauryn Hill t-shirt when she did 😎💗 … I just wish it hadn’t taken me two years to actually read it.
July 13, 2025
Don't get me wrong this book is a great intro to a lot of important social topics - but I feel this book has an identity crisis.
It's too short to really explore each social issue in depth as well as limiting the insight into Munroe's life.
I would have loved this to be a longer read with more depth, especially as Bergdorf writes in a succinct accessible way, which allows readers to approach new topics with a level of comfort
It's too short to really explore each social issue in depth as well as limiting the insight into Munroe's life.
I would have loved this to be a longer read with more depth, especially as Bergdorf writes in a succinct accessible way, which allows readers to approach new topics with a level of comfort
Read
August 6, 2023“There was only one trans narrative in the mainstream and that was tragedy.”
“You feel better about yourself when other people give their approval. This is how society works, it’s normalised, internalised, considered the natural way of being.”
“You cannot love someone fully in their complexity unless you love yourself in your own.”
“You feel better about yourself when other people give their approval. This is how society works, it’s normalised, internalised, considered the natural way of being.”
“You cannot love someone fully in their complexity unless you love yourself in your own.”
Read
May 7, 2023Munroe Bergdorf’s Transitonal is one of those wonderfully savvy non-fiction books that uses the framework of personal memoir to tell a broader story about a specific concept...
My full thoughts: https://booksandbao.com/transgender-s...
My full thoughts: https://booksandbao.com/transgender-s...
August 30, 2023
Bergdorf presents a very interesting memoir/manifesto about her life and how all humans 'transition', whether through age, gender, sexuality, purpose etc.
Surprisingly some of it felt as if it was made more palatable to appeal to a wider audience but I hope she'll write more
Surprisingly some of it felt as if it was made more palatable to appeal to a wider audience but I hope she'll write more
March 6, 2023
4.5 ⭐️
May 25, 2023
I think a lot of reviews of this memoir miss the point lol
May 29, 2023
Excellent read, could not put it down. A wonderfully written story of the hardships faced by this beautiful woman. Highly reccommend this important piece of work.
February 3, 2024
Munroe ❤️ This book is gorgeous. Bergdorf's honesty and vulnerability in telling her story made me feel like a trusted confidante. She delivers her personal experiences with the edge of an activist showing her audience how all the dots connect, how her experience is not unique because the path she had to walk was formed by institutionalized racism, homophobia, misogyny, and transphobia. Her story isn't just about a personal fight to be oneself, it's about learning to acknowledge the way the world around us is built, and fight it for the sake of each other. Bergdorf's story gave me insight into my own transition I hadn't yet realized for myself, and I'm grateful that she has shared it with us.
February 22, 2023
Wow I gobbled this up!! Followed munroe on insta for ages but didn’t know much about her. Then heard her on a podcast and thought I simply must read this! It was sooo sad, and soo inspiring. I loved how the chapters were divided and found her takes really insightful. Will re-read for sure!
March 14, 2023
This is a moving and very open memoir, and I think it was incredibly brave of Munroe to write it given the current absolute state of the UK. For that it deserves 5*. In terms of actual reading experience I’d probably give it 4, as the structure hadn’t quite decided whether to be chronological or thematic, which made it repetitive at times.
July 4, 2023
I though I might enjoy this book but it left me a little disappointed. Very similar to the Mel B one I recently read, wanting more but never getting it.
February 17, 2023
A must read!
May 18, 2023
In this confident and erudite memoir Munroe Bergdorf has written not only a moving story of her own life as a biracial trans woman in the UK she has also provided an excellent introduction to the experience of trans and BIPOC people in love, in work and in society. While telling us of the many transitions in her own childhood and adolescence, the realisation of her transness she also shines a light on the wider attitudes of society, largely determined by a gaze that is white, cis and heteronormative. By aligning gender identity and the process of transition, medical and otherwise, with other transitions such and puberty, aging and growth she recognises this changeableness as an essential part of humanity and challenges the otherness ascribed to gender transition, fluidity and non-conformity. I would have loved to see this powerful understanding focused on a little more, as it is a little lost amongst the other themes. Nevertheless, this is a reasoned, passionate and smart work from a woman whose tenacity and insight has provided her with a platform that she is using for the benefit of all of us.
August 25, 2023
What Munroe has to say is important, candid and often uncomfortable because it’s true. However, I felt that as a structure, this book tried to pack too many things in and didn’t flow well. I think I’d have preferred it if she’d split some of the chapters into whole separate projects so she could go into more detail. Still worth a read, but a little frustrating!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews