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She's a Boy: The Shocking True Story of Joe Holliday
She's A Boy is the shocking, heartbreaking and ultimately uplifting autobiography of Joe Holliday. Born a boy but raised a girl, Joe was 25 years old and still living as Joella when he discovered the full truth about his beginnings. For decades, doctors believed baby boys born without a penis should be classified as girls. When he was eight, Joe's plight attracted worldwide media attention – and touched the heart of Princess Diana. She's A Boy is Joe's story; a true survivor who has overcome unthinkable physical and emotional challenges and come out the other side with a firm sense of who he really is.
- GenresNonfiction
331 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 1, 2015
26 people are currently reading
76 people want to read
About the author
Joe Holliday
1 bookLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database named Joe Holliday.
Joe Holliday was born in 1988 with a severe birth defect. Although genetically male, doctors advised his parents that it would be easier to raise him as a girl.
Joe Holliday was born in 1988 with a severe birth defect. Although genetically male, doctors advised his parents that it would be easier to raise him as a girl.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
May 7, 2025
Although the events in this book are heartbreaking, it is one which should be read widely, as it informs on so many levels.
Joe Holliday was born with several issues, one of which was being devoid of external genitalia and a hole in his abdomen. The medical staff were unable to tell his parents whether they had a girl or a boy - it is difficult to imagine how confusing and terrifying that would have been; for the parents of course, but also the medics.
Joe was originally named Joel, which was the name recorded on his birth certificate, and had a stoma fitted to solve the issue of waste excretion.
Later Joe had a consultation with a consultant at Great Ormond Street Hospital for children in London - an internationally renowned children's hospital to which children from around the world go for the exceptional treatment available. The family were told that Joe should be brought up as female. Joel was then renamed Joella and brought up accordingly, he never thought to question it.
Joe's mother fought for years to have his birth certificate amended to reflect the change of sex.
Joe went through many surgeries through to adulthood, but I believe that the social difficulties he experienced hurt him much more than the medical interventions. We all know that children can be cruel, so you can probably understand why Joe had a terrible time at school, leading to change of schools, etc.
You may have guessed from my use of the pronouns "he/him" that Joe is now classified as male. Unfortunately, in the past physicians advised that children in similar circumstances be brought up as female, despite male markers being present (It is easier to create a vagina than a penis, it is as simple as that!). I even heard of twin baby boys being circumcised by cauterisation, and one of the boys had his penis burned so badly, his parents were advised to bring that twin up as a girl! Obviously, that went terribly wrong - a person cannot take on another sex just because you tell them it is so. Thankfully, we are much better informed on gender in recent years, so I would hope what happened to Joe would not happen now.
I am pleased to finish by praising Joe's amazing family, who have always done everything they thought best for Joe, and encircled him with their love always. In that, he is the luckiest man in the world.
Joe Holliday was born with several issues, one of which was being devoid of external genitalia and a hole in his abdomen. The medical staff were unable to tell his parents whether they had a girl or a boy - it is difficult to imagine how confusing and terrifying that would have been; for the parents of course, but also the medics.
Joe was originally named Joel, which was the name recorded on his birth certificate, and had a stoma fitted to solve the issue of waste excretion.
Later Joe had a consultation with a consultant at Great Ormond Street Hospital for children in London - an internationally renowned children's hospital to which children from around the world go for the exceptional treatment available. The family were told that Joe should be brought up as female. Joel was then renamed Joella and brought up accordingly, he never thought to question it.
Joe's mother fought for years to have his birth certificate amended to reflect the change of sex.
Joe went through many surgeries through to adulthood, but I believe that the social difficulties he experienced hurt him much more than the medical interventions. We all know that children can be cruel, so you can probably understand why Joe had a terrible time at school, leading to change of schools, etc.
You may have guessed from my use of the pronouns "he/him" that Joe is now classified as male. Unfortunately, in the past physicians advised that children in similar circumstances be brought up as female, despite male markers being present (It is easier to create a vagina than a penis, it is as simple as that!). I even heard of twin baby boys being circumcised by cauterisation, and one of the boys had his penis burned so badly, his parents were advised to bring that twin up as a girl! Obviously, that went terribly wrong - a person cannot take on another sex just because you tell them it is so. Thankfully, we are much better informed on gender in recent years, so I would hope what happened to Joe would not happen now.
I am pleased to finish by praising Joe's amazing family, who have always done everything they thought best for Joe, and encircled him with their love always. In that, he is the luckiest man in the world.
November 19, 2017
The premise of this autobiography is indeed shocking enough to garner one's interest. An innocent baby is born in England back in the 80s without genitals. There is evidence that the child is in fact a boy, but the medical personnel strongly suggest that the child be raised as a girl. There are other horrific details involving the exposed condition of the baby's abdominal area, but I'll leave that for the reader's consumption. The immediate post birth recounting is the most riveting in the book. How the family deals with such an incredibly difficult situation is both stressful and very inspiring to read. This is a lovely family to read about overall, aside from the whole main subject of Joel/Joella. How Joe Holliday's family came to be, with their simple working class background, spearheaded by a "Nan" with a heart of gold, was a very special read.
There are no photos in the book, which was a surprise. Without knowing this, I was so curious of Joe Holliday's well-documented story in the news that I reviewed many such photos on the internet. I had never heard of Joe's story, but one of the larger themes in the book was the media's interest in Joe's plight. His mum had turned to the media in frustration while fighting to get the sex changed officially on his birth certificate. Even Princess Diana had written to the family in support. While this must have been a big story in England during that time, I never once heard of this story and I have been an avid reader all my life. So, as I consumed the book I would look up related articles and photos on the internet. So, I don't feel deprived that photos weren't included in this book, but perhaps if I had a physical book instead of the kindle version, I might have felt shortchanged.
However, this was a very thought-provoking, emotional and inspiring story about a person born with huge problems, how he and his family handled them, and his ultimate decision on how he would live the rest of his life. I love reading real-life stories about remarkable people, and this was one of them.
Many thanks to NetGalley for providing me a reviewer copy.
There are no photos in the book, which was a surprise. Without knowing this, I was so curious of Joe Holliday's well-documented story in the news that I reviewed many such photos on the internet. I had never heard of Joe's story, but one of the larger themes in the book was the media's interest in Joe's plight. His mum had turned to the media in frustration while fighting to get the sex changed officially on his birth certificate. Even Princess Diana had written to the family in support. While this must have been a big story in England during that time, I never once heard of this story and I have been an avid reader all my life. So, as I consumed the book I would look up related articles and photos on the internet. So, I don't feel deprived that photos weren't included in this book, but perhaps if I had a physical book instead of the kindle version, I might have felt shortchanged.
However, this was a very thought-provoking, emotional and inspiring story about a person born with huge problems, how he and his family handled them, and his ultimate decision on how he would live the rest of his life. I love reading real-life stories about remarkable people, and this was one of them.
Many thanks to NetGalley for providing me a reviewer copy.
December 11, 2015
As you can probably see from my goodreads library - I like to read a real variety of books and thought that the title of this book was interesting. Unfortunately, it's probably one of the worst books I've ever read. Spoiler alert!! A young child is born with indeterminate genitalia due a developmental anomaly of the whole of the lower part of the intestines, sexual organs and gonads and front of the pelvis (cloacal exostrophy). Not surprisingly, the medical staff at the time of delivery couldn't sex the child but decided he was male. This was changed later after further medical review and an extensive legal battle. Why someone didn't just do a simple blood test and, therefore, be able to definitely state the genotype of Joe/Joella is completely beyond me. The child was repetitively thrown in front of the media in newspapers and on the tv, she struggled with school, had difficulties in her family, loved her Nan desperately and ended up resorting to alcohol to help cope with her emotions. It sounds like it should have been an amazing read but it was so awfully written that I felt I was reading a child's school story book that had yet to be corrected or altered by an adult. The grammar was awful (it grated on me every single time the object pronoun was used incorrectly - and, believe me, it was done repetitively) the story was recited in a rather banal, boring manner and I very nearly gave up on the book because I found it so dull when the subject matter really should have made that far from the case. I felt like I was a proof reader reading over the first jottings of a life story and that this was just a publication in order for Joe to, yet again, make a financial gain from the media and 'advertising' his difficulties and disability. I really hated this book. I should have had sympathy for this difficult life situation but felt it was rather a pathetic abuse of Joe who seems to have been manipulated by the media since his family first 'put him out there' in the trash press and media of the UK.
August 10, 2015
When I downloaded this book, I wasn't really sure about it, didn't know if I would even be able to finish it. But, almost from the first page, I was hooked and I didn't put it down until I finished it, several hours later.
I can only imagine how the author felt growing up and even into adulthood.
Joe, I'm grateful to you for sharing your life and hope that the future brings you only happiness.
I can only imagine how the author felt growing up and even into adulthood.
Joe, I'm grateful to you for sharing your life and hope that the future brings you only happiness.
December 18, 2018
I do enjoy reading a variety of genres and wished i had read this book much sooner. So much better than i had thought! So pleased that Joel is now much happier.
My thanks to Netgalley and the Publishers for my copy. This is my honest review.
My thanks to Netgalley and the Publishers for my copy. This is my honest review.
February 4, 2021
SHE'S A BOY was a truly eye-opening non-fiction book. It is the true story of Joe Holliday and the trials and tribulations he faced growing up as a transgender youth.
His story will break your heart at the horrific treatment he received by supposedly intelligent people such as doctors and teachers. Yet, Joe persevered and has come through his ordeals as a strong, independent and resilient man.
Set in England during the height of Princess Diana's popularity, she meets Joe and is a compassionate and caring soul.
This book is very much worth reading. I rate it as 4 out of 5 Stars
His story will break your heart at the horrific treatment he received by supposedly intelligent people such as doctors and teachers. Yet, Joe persevered and has come through his ordeals as a strong, independent and resilient man.
Set in England during the height of Princess Diana's popularity, she meets Joe and is a compassionate and caring soul.
This book is very much worth reading. I rate it as 4 out of 5 Stars
April 27, 2016
This book is fascinating, horrifying, sad, inspiring and much more - yet it was also a story that was gripping and made you want to read more.
It really is beyond comprehension that as recently as the 1990's, doctors were not routinely doing chromosome tests to determine the gender of babies born with ambiguous genitalia, and that they decided that a person cannot be male without a penis - really? I applaud Joe & his family for bringing so many of these issues out into the open, and making people talk about what has traditionally been such a taboo subject
The ending of the book is a little weak, but it reflects that there is more to come, a new chapter in Joe's life that is only just starting.
It really is beyond comprehension that as recently as the 1990's, doctors were not routinely doing chromosome tests to determine the gender of babies born with ambiguous genitalia, and that they decided that a person cannot be male without a penis - really? I applaud Joe & his family for bringing so many of these issues out into the open, and making people talk about what has traditionally been such a taboo subject
The ending of the book is a little weak, but it reflects that there is more to come, a new chapter in Joe's life that is only just starting.
May 16, 2016
An interesting read
This is not my usual type of book but I did find it fascinating. What is difficult to comprehend is the old school of medical thought because this has happened in my life time with Joe being just a little younger than me. Some of the thoughts and ideas seem archaic. What this does really well is highlight the lack of mental health care available and help only being given to 'severe' cases. Joe is in some ways lucky to have found the mental strength needed to get through the dark times as there are too many less severe cases who are not.
This is not my usual type of book but I did find it fascinating. What is difficult to comprehend is the old school of medical thought because this has happened in my life time with Joe being just a little younger than me. Some of the thoughts and ideas seem archaic. What this does really well is highlight the lack of mental health care available and help only being given to 'severe' cases. Joe is in some ways lucky to have found the mental strength needed to get through the dark times as there are too many less severe cases who are not.
October 27, 2015
A very interesting read. Joe Holliday has been through so much during his life I don't know how he does it. To change from gender back and forth is unimaginable!
Written from the POV of both mother and son. During the early chapters I really wanted to know what the biological father's thoughts were. It must have been a really tough time for him too.
I did not know anything about the subject discussed in this book and it has got me to read about it more online.
Written from the POV of both mother and son. During the early chapters I really wanted to know what the biological father's thoughts were. It must have been a really tough time for him too.
I did not know anything about the subject discussed in this book and it has got me to read about it more online.
November 8, 2015
Well written.
An honest, well written book, by a brave person who has revealed what their life has been as an individual born without specific gender. Joe has openly divulged living with day to day issues regarding his complex medical conditions, bravely sharing the darkest days when mental illness has taken a further toll in his already difficult life.
An honest, well written book, by a brave person who has revealed what their life has been as an individual born without specific gender. Joe has openly divulged living with day to day issues regarding his complex medical conditions, bravely sharing the darkest days when mental illness has taken a further toll in his already difficult life.
October 16, 2017
Joel has had such an rough life and yet his book has a positive feel. He was born with a condition that caused the doctors to suggest to his mother that he be raised a girl. This is the story of how he was raised as a girl and made his way back to being man. I enjoyed all the details of the story but was glad that it did not seem sensationalized. Good read!
January 3, 2016
Not what I expected
Book was very good. It wasn't what I expected it to be but was ssh good all the same. Can't begin to feel how the mother must of felt, nor what Joel went through
Book was very good. It wasn't what I expected it to be but was ssh good all the same. Can't begin to feel how the mother must of felt, nor what Joel went through
June 15, 2020
Four and a half out of five stars for this one. It was so hard to put down! What a shocking story that ends on an optimistic message by the author! He went through such an ordeal, he is a person one likes instantly! Let's hope everything works out for the best for Joel.
October 24, 2022
It was a lovely easy read and even more heartbreaking because it was based on a true story, however, the ending completely ruined it for me, and made the book almost pointless.
July 10, 2017
This is a heartbreaking story of what can happen when the medical field runs amok. Granted what doctors were faced with was outside their ‘norm’ but at some point you have to wonder where did medicine stop and experimenting began. The book is written as the author is sitting down in front of you and recanting his life’s story over a pint.
The first couple of chapters are about his parents and their life leading up to his birth so you get a decent idea of the world he was coming into which might explain some of the parenting decision being made whether or not you’d do the same.
After his birth the story gets detailed about what was going on physically with him as a baby, the surgeries, the outcomes and so forth so if you have a weak stomach beware because it gets gritty. As he begins to describe what his parents endured, the fear of doing the wrong thing and the difficulties they faced trying to keep him alive, you can’t help but feel teary eyed and hurt on their behalf.
When a doctor tells them they should raise him as a girl and makes it sound so simple you can’t help but want to slap the man.
One of my biggest gripes is when they talk about how a chromosome test was done over a decade later at which time he finally found out he was born male from that test and all the other documentation in his file; some of which essentially admitted the only reason they altered his gender was because it was easier on the establishment. Joe is a better person than me because just reading his story makes me detest everyone involved but he seems to have found a measure of forgiveness and peace.
The first couple of chapters are about his parents and their life leading up to his birth so you get a decent idea of the world he was coming into which might explain some of the parenting decision being made whether or not you’d do the same.
After his birth the story gets detailed about what was going on physically with him as a baby, the surgeries, the outcomes and so forth so if you have a weak stomach beware because it gets gritty. As he begins to describe what his parents endured, the fear of doing the wrong thing and the difficulties they faced trying to keep him alive, you can’t help but feel teary eyed and hurt on their behalf.
When a doctor tells them they should raise him as a girl and makes it sound so simple you can’t help but want to slap the man.
One of my biggest gripes is when they talk about how a chromosome test was done over a decade later at which time he finally found out he was born male from that test and all the other documentation in his file; some of which essentially admitted the only reason they altered his gender was because it was easier on the establishment. Joe is a better person than me because just reading his story makes me detest everyone involved but he seems to have found a measure of forgiveness and peace.
July 10, 2017
Biographies and memoirs are some of my favourite books to read, more so when they are books like this one which allow you the privilege of reading into the private lives of interesting people such as Joe Holliday.
Joe was born with a number of health problems, but seemingly the most problematic was his ambiguous genitals. This lead to a life of uncertainty with his gender identity, challenges with medical professionals (thank God for Joe's mother doing her absolute utmost to fight for his rights), and bits of Joe's unwavering sense of humour and optimism throughout.
Although it's difficult to read at times with what Joe has had to endure to get to where he is now, it ends in a heart-warming way, with Joe finally sure of who he is and what he wants, facing the next chapter of his life with the support of loved ones. Thank you Joe for sharing your story!
Joe was born with a number of health problems, but seemingly the most problematic was his ambiguous genitals. This lead to a life of uncertainty with his gender identity, challenges with medical professionals (thank God for Joe's mother doing her absolute utmost to fight for his rights), and bits of Joe's unwavering sense of humour and optimism throughout.
Although it's difficult to read at times with what Joe has had to endure to get to where he is now, it ends in a heart-warming way, with Joe finally sure of who he is and what he wants, facing the next chapter of his life with the support of loved ones. Thank you Joe for sharing your story!
July 31, 2019
This book was very interesting. Joe is so brave for sharing his story. Memoirs are just one of my favorite genres mainly because they are inspiring to help others maybe share their own stories.
The doctors should not have interfered with and suggested the way a child would be raised. The story made me sad that there was so much struggle. Despite the struggle. I'm happy that Joe is able to be who he was truly meant to be.
The story was sad and touching. There's hope for others in the same situation.
4 1/2 stars
The doctors should not have interfered with and suggested the way a child would be raised. The story made me sad that there was so much struggle. Despite the struggle. I'm happy that Joe is able to be who he was truly meant to be.
The story was sad and touching. There's hope for others in the same situation.
4 1/2 stars
March 6, 2019
Fantastic book exploring differences in complications in birth and the defects that can arise. Jo is an inspiration and really opens up in telling the reader about his life. From all the emotions he felt through growing up as a girl to when the penny finally drops of him and his realising that he was male all along. I wish Jo all the happiness for his future
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 17, 2019
Amazing book
I found this book totally absorbing, and finished it in two days. It was very well written, interesting, emotional and thought provoking. The whole family sound brilliant, especially the mum.
Highly recommended.
I found this book totally absorbing, and finished it in two days. It was very well written, interesting, emotional and thought provoking. The whole family sound brilliant, especially the mum.
Highly recommended.
March 17, 2019
Wonderfully written
It makes you realise that the little things we take for granted can be a huge battle for some, I hope we get to hear what happens in The future
It makes you realise that the little things we take for granted can be a huge battle for some, I hope we get to hear what happens in The future
December 29, 2015
This book gives an insight full view into the life of a complex person. The issues that Joel/Joella faced made a difficult read but fascinating.
January 4, 2016
Thoroughly brilliant book, such an amazing and at times heartbreaking read. Joe Holliday is a true inspiration for other's, barriers can be broken but in the end happiness is deep within.
January 5, 2016
Truely inspiring
this story had my fixed loved reading every minute of it.... Such a brave and inspiring journey this young man took and still takes
this story had my fixed loved reading every minute of it.... Such a brave and inspiring journey this young man took and still takes
February 2, 2016
Brill read
Loved this book couldnt put it down what a heart breaking storie so happy Joel is on the way to be happy x
Loved this book couldnt put it down what a heart breaking storie so happy Joel is on the way to be happy x
April 28, 2017
Amazing read. Jo is truly inspirational, such a wonderful young man. I couldn't put the book down once I'd started. Also Jo's mum deserves such recognition for being so brave, strong and so supportive. A wonderful family. I wish you all the best for the future. May this be the start of many great things in your life Jo because you certainly deserve the best. Congratulations on a wonderful book
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews