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The T in LGBT: everything you need to know about being trans
Hey, I'm Jamie, a 29-year-old trans guy from the UK. I've been transitioning for 12 years now after realising I was trans (by accident!) at sixteen years old. I knew I was a boy since the age of four, but realised whilst growing up that I was different. It was only in my teens that I found the words to express who I was and what I needed to do. Since then, I've been on testosterone for more than a decade - I know, I can't believe it either - I've also had top and bottom surgery and legally changed my sex, so I know a few things about the transitioning process and being trans!I want to welcome you to The T in LGBT where you can explore and learn about so many topics surrounding gender realising you're trans, starting hormones, considering surgery, and everything in between. Whether you're questioning your own identity and are looking for advice on certain stages of transition, or whether you're wanting to learn about the trans experience to support someone or understand allyship, I hope this book can be your one-stop guide to everything trans related.And don't just take my word for it either - this book is packed full of advice, tips, and the personal stories of a range of trans voices, because no one journey is the same.
256 pages, Hardcover
First published June 29, 2023
167 people are currently reading
3701 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 224 reviews
July 7, 2023
Everyone should read this to learn the truth about trans lives. Even if you’re not trans and don’t think you know anyone who is, this book provides an essential insight into one of the most unfairly vilified demographics in our society. As a cis woman who knows and loves several trans people I can see the terrible consequences of sensationalist media on their lives. I wish nothing more than that books like this reach a massive audience and spread the word that trans people are just that: people.
December 25, 2023
I wish I could psychologically beam all of this information into the minds of everyone I know.
July 3, 2023
I laughed and cried. Informative, humorous, and honest, and packed with more resources and opportunities to learn
August 12, 2023
This was really good. Honestly, it was impossible to put down. Jamie Raines are good with words. Glad that he put in a lot of peoples experiences as well.
I truely hope he writes another book in the future. Doesn't have to be the same topic. I would read anything he puts out. He loves dinosaurs, so...!
I truely hope he writes another book in the future. Doesn't have to be the same topic. I would read anything he puts out. He loves dinosaurs, so...!
August 20, 2025
5 stars
This is a very good read, both if you're trans and if you have trans friends/family/etc and want to be a good ally to them. Or if you just want to educate yourself.
No matter your motivation, I can recommend this book.
It's concise, easy to navigate and full of interesting/useful pieces of information that I believe people should be aware of.
So yeah. Can definitely recommend.
This is a very good read, both if you're trans and if you have trans friends/family/etc and want to be a good ally to them. Or if you just want to educate yourself.
No matter your motivation, I can recommend this book.
It's concise, easy to navigate and full of interesting/useful pieces of information that I believe people should be aware of.
So yeah. Can definitely recommend.
October 25, 2023
Written in a very colloquial and mostly lighthearted style, this book seems to aim at a slightly younger audience. This isn't a complaint -many people start questioning their gender in their teens, and a 'Trans 101' book such as this, that doesn't weigh itself down with scientific lingo, is much more accessible than most other options.
But it really is 'Trans 101'. If you are trans and already at a stage where your precious coins are going towards reading material instead of, say, a binder or a pair of heels that come in size 43, chances are you'll know everything that's in here.
Much like my own motives when buying it, it'll do more good when surreptitiously slipped into the backpack of your friend who doesn't know anything about transgender issues yet, or casually left lying around on your parents' coffee table in lieu of coming out face-to-face.
(Am I a coward? Probably.)
I much appreciated the references to scientific articles. No, we might not need science to explain our own lived experience to us, but it's nice to have credible sources at your back --sources that on the whole will confirm time and time again that what you're feeling, experiencing, and progressing towards is both normal and a good idea.
It gives a bit of grounding to the (well-meant but occasionally relentlessly cheerful) messages of positivity that set the tone for most of this book.
But it really is 'Trans 101'. If you are trans and already at a stage where your precious coins are going towards reading material instead of, say, a binder or a pair of heels that come in size 43, chances are you'll know everything that's in here.
Much like my own motives when buying it, it'll do more good when surreptitiously slipped into the backpack of your friend who doesn't know anything about transgender issues yet, or casually left lying around on your parents' coffee table in lieu of coming out face-to-face.
(Am I a coward? Probably.)
I much appreciated the references to scientific articles. No, we might not need science to explain our own lived experience to us, but it's nice to have credible sources at your back --sources that on the whole will confirm time and time again that what you're feeling, experiencing, and progressing towards is both normal and a good idea.
It gives a bit of grounding to the (well-meant but occasionally relentlessly cheerful) messages of positivity that set the tone for most of this book.
July 13, 2023
Wonderfully informative and well written. I expected nothing less from Jamie as his youtube videos are so well done. (Seriously, if you ever just need a mental hug go watch Jamie or Shaaba)
I feel like if more people would read books like this there would be way more understanding in the world. As an ally it was extremely helpful to have and I only wish I’d known all of this years ago.
Buy the book. Learn some things.
Better our world.
I feel like if more people would read books like this there would be way more understanding in the world. As an ally it was extremely helpful to have and I only wish I’d known all of this years ago.
Buy the book. Learn some things.
Better our world.
October 29, 2023
When he said “I experience very little dysphoria now” I broke out into a sob
Thank you Jamie for all you do for this world and I’m so so glad you’re happy and comfortable now
Thank you Jamie for all you do for this world and I’m so so glad you’re happy and comfortable now
July 3, 2023
i've been watching jamie for years and i’m so proud of him and thankful to him for writing this book; even though i’m done with my transition, i still found so much validation and comfort in this book. i read it on audio and i’m so glad i did, jamie has such a nice and calming voice to listen to and i loooved that shaaba contributed as well! i adore them and i adored this book! whether you’re questioning, already have things figured out or want to be a better ally- i highly recommend you pick this up!
July 21, 2023
4.5 ⭐️
i listened to the audiobook, it was so lovely to hear Jamie and Shaaba narrate it. i learnt a lot from it, it’s very accessible, informative and funny
i listened to the audiobook, it was so lovely to hear Jamie and Shaaba narrate it. i learnt a lot from it, it’s very accessible, informative and funny
August 6, 2023
i should stop reading trans 101s probably
on an editorial note, no book needs "ha-ha" written down. especially not that many times.
(not a bad book for like.. allies or ppl new to being trans i guess.)
on an editorial note, no book needs "ha-ha" written down. especially not that many times.
(not a bad book for like.. allies or ppl new to being trans i guess.)
September 15, 2023
Even though I've done a lot of reading on Trans stuff, I still learned new information.
June 6, 2024
Thank you NetGalley for providing me with a digital copy of this book!
I had seen a couple of videos of Jamie before, so I knew of him, but I wasn’t as familiar as some longtime viewers may be in comparison. Not that that’s very relevant haha.
This book was great! The combination of personal stories, factual information, and the occasional funny joke that made me almost giggle out loud in the train was very fun to read. It was educational too: I consider myself somewhat educated when it comes to the experience of being transgender (as educated as a cisgender person can be), but there are still some new things that I learned, or details that I didn’t know of before! And of course, every person has their own unique story on top of that, so the inclusion of multiple trans voices in this book really emphasized that.
The book is written in a casual tone is how I can describe it best, which is something I personally like in non-fiction, depending on the book and its intent. I can also appreciate more formal/academic writing, but I think considering what this book’s intent was, the more laid back writing fit very well.
I also thought the inclusion of advice etc for trans people and allies seperatet was a smart decision, and it was also nice to see Jamie’s wife occasionally pop in with advice :)
I think this book is a great guide for people who have newly come out, and for cisgender people who want to learn more about being transgender and people’s individual experiences, along with some interesting information. Overall it’s just very comprehensive and has all of the basics put together, which was something I wish I had for a long time.
Another thing, this is the boring uni student in me, I loved that Jamie references research articles in this book and also includes more sources at the end to look into. You never stop learning :D.
So yeah, overall I really enjoyed the T in LGBT and its funny yet informative tone and message.
I had seen a couple of videos of Jamie before, so I knew of him, but I wasn’t as familiar as some longtime viewers may be in comparison. Not that that’s very relevant haha.
This book was great! The combination of personal stories, factual information, and the occasional funny joke that made me almost giggle out loud in the train was very fun to read. It was educational too: I consider myself somewhat educated when it comes to the experience of being transgender (as educated as a cisgender person can be), but there are still some new things that I learned, or details that I didn’t know of before! And of course, every person has their own unique story on top of that, so the inclusion of multiple trans voices in this book really emphasized that.
The book is written in a casual tone is how I can describe it best, which is something I personally like in non-fiction, depending on the book and its intent. I can also appreciate more formal/academic writing, but I think considering what this book’s intent was, the more laid back writing fit very well.
I also thought the inclusion of advice etc for trans people and allies seperatet was a smart decision, and it was also nice to see Jamie’s wife occasionally pop in with advice :)
I think this book is a great guide for people who have newly come out, and for cisgender people who want to learn more about being transgender and people’s individual experiences, along with some interesting information. Overall it’s just very comprehensive and has all of the basics put together, which was something I wish I had for a long time.
Another thing, this is the boring uni student in me, I loved that Jamie references research articles in this book and also includes more sources at the end to look into. You never stop learning :D.
So yeah, overall I really enjoyed the T in LGBT and its funny yet informative tone and message.
May 4, 2025
Well-researched, encompassing a broad range of identities, simply written. It is more aimed at those questioning their gender and those who are trans rather than allies, but an important read nonetheless. Perhaps a good book for someone wanting to be supportive of the trans community or a trans friend, and doesn’t know where to start. There are probably books out there that provide a little more information, but this is very user-friendly if someone doesn’t know anything, any of the terminology etc.
I’m glad to give this 5 stars to support the author, Jamie Raines, whose work through this book and his YouTube I have no doubt has helped so many trans people across the world, which is especially important as the narrative in England specifically seems to be turning against trans people.
I’m glad to give this 5 stars to support the author, Jamie Raines, whose work through this book and his YouTube I have no doubt has helped so many trans people across the world, which is especially important as the narrative in England specifically seems to be turning against trans people.
July 14, 2023
Learned a lot! :)
July 25, 2025
A nice quick overview of kind of everything trans. I wish I would have read this book when I first came out. It answered a lot of common questions. Very educational while still keeping it a light and easy read.
October 19, 2023
An amazing book!
I've been following Jamie's channel for years now I've always found his videos informative and funny (which is the best combination when learning) so I immediately jumped on the opportunity of getting more of him (and his wife Shaaba who also narrates part of the audiobook) in book form! This book was concise and to the point, whilst also being so personal. I feel like I know more but don't feel overloaded with information, rather that I sat down with a friend for a cuppa while they chatted about their journey.
An absolute must have both for trans people and allies seeking to understand more about the topic or how to better connect with their loved ones.
I've been following Jamie's channel for years now I've always found his videos informative and funny (which is the best combination when learning) so I immediately jumped on the opportunity of getting more of him (and his wife Shaaba who also narrates part of the audiobook) in book form! This book was concise and to the point, whilst also being so personal. I feel like I know more but don't feel overloaded with information, rather that I sat down with a friend for a cuppa while they chatted about their journey.
An absolute must have both for trans people and allies seeking to understand more about the topic or how to better connect with their loved ones.
ouat-dnf
August 14, 2023I didn't finish reading this, and for these reasons I'm about to tell you, I also won't rate it, since the rating for my personal enjoyment and what the book is intended for would be very differ from each other.
I adore what Jamie does on his YT channel, and I will continue to do so.
I simply didn't expect this book to be written in such casual matter that it feels like he's narrating a video out loud (probably works way better in an audiobook format) with the usual rain of pleasant side comments (in this case brackets). This book also very much didn't feel like it was written for me, which is absolutely okay: minors very much need books like these. I imagine many people will love this book and for a good reason. Jamie is stunning and does amazing work.
I just don't particularly recommend this to someone who's been out as trans for many years, especially if you're involved with the community, since there's probably absolutely nothing new for you in this book. You might also struggle with the format like me, if you prefer formality in books.
I adore what Jamie does on his YT channel, and I will continue to do so.
I simply didn't expect this book to be written in such casual matter that it feels like he's narrating a video out loud (probably works way better in an audiobook format) with the usual rain of pleasant side comments (in this case brackets). This book also very much didn't feel like it was written for me, which is absolutely okay: minors very much need books like these. I imagine many people will love this book and for a good reason. Jamie is stunning and does amazing work.
I just don't particularly recommend this to someone who's been out as trans for many years, especially if you're involved with the community, since there's probably absolutely nothing new for you in this book. You might also struggle with the format like me, if you prefer formality in books.
July 23, 2023
Loved every bit of this book and would recommend to anyone who is interested in educating themselves. As I'm soon starting my internship at a gender clinic and I'd love to work in gender related mental health care, it's extremely valuable to read about people's experiences with this instead of only reading about the medical side. As I'm cis myself, I think it's even more important to read/hear/see as many different experiences as I can, so I can provide the best care to my ability.
Thank you Jamie, for sharing your story and also giving so many others a voice, you're awesome.
Thank you Jamie, for sharing your story and also giving so many others a voice, you're awesome.
June 30, 2023
I loved this read! A truely insightful dive in to some of the experiences of trans folk with some wonderful advice for us allies!
i think particularly jamie does an incredible job of concisely talking through some very complex conversations such as gender critical thinking and comments.
I think every parent, friend or anyone who supports a trans young person in particular would benefit a lot of from this book. 🏳️⚧️🌈
i think particularly jamie does an incredible job of concisely talking through some very complex conversations such as gender critical thinking and comments.
I think every parent, friend or anyone who supports a trans young person in particular would benefit a lot of from this book. 🏳️⚧️🌈
July 8, 2023
Great starting point for anyone wanting to learn about the t in lgbt. Jamie does a great job of being infomative, sharing personal experiences and scientific facts. The book is uplifting without shying away from the challenges a trans person might have to face. I love that his wife Shaaba is there to present a perspective as an ally. Highly recommend
July 9, 2023
Thank you so much Jamie, your youtube channel has been invaluable to me throughout my trans journey and reading your book just made me smile. It was really well done, informative yet not overly factual.
August 2, 2023
Great primer for eggs, newly hatched trans folx and for allies. Lots of basic, but good info on transgender as an overview. The real stories and quotes were what I found the most enjoyable for me. It handles some of the more sensitive topics really well.
November 28, 2023
I didn't know who Jamie Raines is, I read the book based on the title. Very very basic and a repetition of the same things every "Trans 101" book/video/film/podcast tells, but if I were younger and knew nothing about the subject, I guess I could give it 5 stars.
Read
January 24, 2024With a deeply personal book like this I don’t feel comfortable rating it if I’m not giving it a full 5 stars
(Also, I have no right to criticize anything about this book as I’m not part of the trans community and only picked it up to learn more)
I adore Jamie and his YouTube channel— his voice, humour, and personality really came through in this book. It was however very conversational, not that that’s a bad thing as it makes the information very approachable and easy to comprehend, I had just been hoping for a different focus.
Even though many studies were cited, the conversational writing style lacked the inclusion of diving into the details of the studies. For example I’d love a more analytical look at the research, explaining sample size, why the information is reliable, how the data was collected- that way if anyone brought up “research” by transphobes readers could understand what made that study unreliable.
I would have loved for this book to dive into studies focusing on neurological reactions in the brain, looking at relavent statistics, cross sectional and longitudinal studies…
Given Jamie’s background I had just expected a more analytical look at research involving trans individuals.
The majority of the information presented in this book I knew from watching Jamie’s YouTube channel- except for estrogen also being spelt as oestrogen (WHY IS THERE A SILENT O?)
When I realized the conversational approach the book was taken I thought maybe it would be a more personal story/autobiography and while Jame and Shaaba do talk about their personal life, and events and feelings from every point of Jamie’s transition it was nothing that he hadn’t shared on his channel— not that I would want or expected them to share more then they were comfortable with
Overall a great entry point for anyone who wants to learn about what it means to be trans and the processes of transitioning from square 1
It also provides voices of other trans and nonbinary individuals to give a variety of perspectives
(Also, I have no right to criticize anything about this book as I’m not part of the trans community and only picked it up to learn more)
I adore Jamie and his YouTube channel— his voice, humour, and personality really came through in this book. It was however very conversational, not that that’s a bad thing as it makes the information very approachable and easy to comprehend, I had just been hoping for a different focus.
Even though many studies were cited, the conversational writing style lacked the inclusion of diving into the details of the studies. For example I’d love a more analytical look at the research, explaining sample size, why the information is reliable, how the data was collected- that way if anyone brought up “research” by transphobes readers could understand what made that study unreliable.
I would have loved for this book to dive into studies focusing on neurological reactions in the brain, looking at relavent statistics, cross sectional and longitudinal studies…
Given Jamie’s background I had just expected a more analytical look at research involving trans individuals.
The majority of the information presented in this book I knew from watching Jamie’s YouTube channel- except for estrogen also being spelt as oestrogen (WHY IS THERE A SILENT O?)
When I realized the conversational approach the book was taken I thought maybe it would be a more personal story/autobiography and while Jame and Shaaba do talk about their personal life, and events and feelings from every point of Jamie’s transition it was nothing that he hadn’t shared on his channel— not that I would want or expected them to share more then they were comfortable with
Overall a great entry point for anyone who wants to learn about what it means to be trans and the processes of transitioning from square 1
It also provides voices of other trans and nonbinary individuals to give a variety of perspectives
August 18, 2024
Repeating what I said when I was in progressing reading: I am so incredibly grateful this book exists. Knowing that someone might see it in their library and be able to flick through and come away perhaps feeling more understood and less alone makes me feel so warm. I would have loved something like this as a teenager, but books like this are out there now and I'm so happy!
As a book this is a wonderful resource for trans people navigating transitioning (or choosing not to!) as well as being very accessible for cis readers who want to learn more (for whatever reason) and encouraging better allyship. The anecdotes from other trans people shows the vast variety of experiences that trans folk go through which hugely broadens the perspective of the book from just being one man's transition, plus the inclusion of annecdotes from cis allies (Jamie's mum and Shaaba) gives a very well-rounded read. Great mix of informative and clearly phrased information, along with academic sources for anyone who likes their further reading, and personal (often humourous, sometimes more serious) stories from Jamie's life to break things up a bit.
The book is intentionally UK focused, so I would recommend this to anyone in the UK without a second thought. If you're from elsewhere, you might find some sections aren't applicable (mostly relating to accessing health care) but in general much of the information is very broadly applicable.
Really can't find fault with this at all. Obviously not ever aspect of transness is covered, because that would be a mammoth task for one author, but it's an easy and again accessible read in a way I find some resources aren't if you don't already have a lot of exposure of trans-related topics without avoiding harder topics (e.g frank discussions of dysphoria and how that feels, addressing hostile attitudes in the UK PARTICULARLY relating to TERF viewpoints that receive far too much attention). Great stuff!
As a book this is a wonderful resource for trans people navigating transitioning (or choosing not to!) as well as being very accessible for cis readers who want to learn more (for whatever reason) and encouraging better allyship. The anecdotes from other trans people shows the vast variety of experiences that trans folk go through which hugely broadens the perspective of the book from just being one man's transition, plus the inclusion of annecdotes from cis allies (Jamie's mum and Shaaba) gives a very well-rounded read. Great mix of informative and clearly phrased information, along with academic sources for anyone who likes their further reading, and personal (often humourous, sometimes more serious) stories from Jamie's life to break things up a bit.
The book is intentionally UK focused, so I would recommend this to anyone in the UK without a second thought. If you're from elsewhere, you might find some sections aren't applicable (mostly relating to accessing health care) but in general much of the information is very broadly applicable.
Really can't find fault with this at all. Obviously not ever aspect of transness is covered, because that would be a mammoth task for one author, but it's an easy and again accessible read in a way I find some resources aren't if you don't already have a lot of exposure of trans-related topics without avoiding harder topics (e.g frank discussions of dysphoria and how that feels, addressing hostile attitudes in the UK PARTICULARLY relating to TERF viewpoints that receive far too much attention). Great stuff!
December 7, 2023
Great book!
Even though it's mainly aimed at trans people, I think this book is an interesting and very informative read for cis people interested in the subject. I really enjoyed listening to the audiobook. Listening Jamie telling in his own voice about how his pre-T voice would trigger his disphoria to the point of almost completely sopping speaking and istantly realizing how far the change made him feel good with himself (to the point of reading his own audiobook!) It's something truly amazing. I also really enjoyed the allies' sections (red by the stunning voice of his wife, Shaaba).
Jamie's a delightful man, I loved his book, I love his YouTube channel, I hope he continues to spread joy and fight harmful disinformation!
P.s. I'm also curious to read some of the scientific studies he quotes.
Even though it's mainly aimed at trans people, I think this book is an interesting and very informative read for cis people interested in the subject. I really enjoyed listening to the audiobook. Listening Jamie telling in his own voice about how his pre-T voice would trigger his disphoria to the point of almost completely sopping speaking and istantly realizing how far the change made him feel good with himself (to the point of reading his own audiobook!) It's something truly amazing. I also really enjoyed the allies' sections (red by the stunning voice of his wife, Shaaba).
Jamie's a delightful man, I loved his book, I love his YouTube channel, I hope he continues to spread joy and fight harmful disinformation!
P.s. I'm also curious to read some of the scientific studies he quotes.
July 23, 2024
4,5
Disclaimer: Meine Bewertung bezieht sich auf den Schreibstil des Autoren, nicht auf den persönlichen Inhalt (selbstverständlich!).
Ich habe mich sehr auf dieses Buch gefreut, das mir meine Kommiliton*in in die Hand gedrückt und ausgeliehen hat. Ich liebe Jamie sehr und finde einfach, dass er so eine wholesome Person ist (nach dem Buch haben wir nach langer Zeit auch gleich mal wieder ein Video von ihm geschaut - das war überflällig!).
Es gab einige Sachen, die mir so noch nicht bewusst waren, z. B. zum Thema Operationen etc. (man lernt eben nie aus) und so viele tolle Stimmen aus der Community. Anderes war mir natürlich durch eigene Recherche schon bekannt, aber ich glaube gerade für Personen, die sich das erste Mal mit transness auseinandersetzen, ist das ein wirklich ideales Einsteigerwerk mit tollen Humor und vielen nützlichen Informationen! 🏳️⚧️💛
Disclaimer: Meine Bewertung bezieht sich auf den Schreibstil des Autoren, nicht auf den persönlichen Inhalt (selbstverständlich!).
Ich habe mich sehr auf dieses Buch gefreut, das mir meine Kommiliton*in in die Hand gedrückt und ausgeliehen hat. Ich liebe Jamie sehr und finde einfach, dass er so eine wholesome Person ist (nach dem Buch haben wir nach langer Zeit auch gleich mal wieder ein Video von ihm geschaut - das war überflällig!).
Es gab einige Sachen, die mir so noch nicht bewusst waren, z. B. zum Thema Operationen etc. (man lernt eben nie aus) und so viele tolle Stimmen aus der Community. Anderes war mir natürlich durch eigene Recherche schon bekannt, aber ich glaube gerade für Personen, die sich das erste Mal mit transness auseinandersetzen, ist das ein wirklich ideales Einsteigerwerk mit tollen Humor und vielen nützlichen Informationen! 🏳️⚧️💛
January 2, 2024
this is definitely a very recommended book on transness, especially for younger trans folks or those whose journey is at the beginning, as well as allies. this is a MUST for allies. of course it's also nice to read for older/more "seasoned" trans folks, although its definitely not as enlightening (and thats not a crime! thats jot the purpose of this book!). that said, you can always learn something new. all in all, i would 100% recommended this.
June 10, 2025
This is genuinely a really good, uplifting book. It's one I will definitely recommend as a read to trans people and allies alike. It's not condescending, there are so many anecdotes and stories from other trans people aside from Jamie from all various genders and across the world.
It really covers so much so succinctly in such a nice way. I really had a hard time putting it down. A genuine joy to read.
It really covers so much so succinctly in such a nice way. I really had a hard time putting it down. A genuine joy to read.
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