The more we have out there that show a true representation of trans people and the trans experience, the better The first book that provides an affirming and relatable account of the trans experience from the largest trans man YouTuber. Dating apps are so varied. Many mainstream ones allow you to share that you’re trans publicly on your profile, if that’s something you want to do. For apps that don’t have this as a feature, some trans people choose to share this anyway in their bios. Some apps have the aim of being trans-friendly and inclusive – but do keep in mind that this doesn’t mean every individual using the app will be trans-inclusive, even if the company has this ethos. Juno Dawson’s inimitable style of writing is the icing on the cake, offering a contemporary voice and plenty of natural, unforced humour. She effortlessly combines authority and candour with a light touch and great accessibility. This is a book for anyone exploring their own identity, wanting to understand someone they know, or just increasing their learning about trans issues. This might not even be in person, so think carefully before you trust someone with personal information and photos (including those naughty nudes). You wouldn’t want those being shared without your permission or used to out you in wider contexts. If you are meeting in person, please make sure that you tell a trusted person in your life who you are meeting and where. This should be a general dating rule but is especially important if you plan on coming out on that particular date, just in case you’ve found a toxic frog. Author Jamie Raines. (Image: Provided)

I 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.The ‘T’ in question here is of course the T in LGBTQ+. And this important book aims to help readers explore and understand all things transgender. Essential addition to your library. Conversational style along with additional formal sections and referencing, this is Dawson’s honest and witty take on everything to do with being transgender and/or non-binary. Dawson has clearly done a lot of research to add to her own experience, and includes many quotes from other trans or non-binary people too. There is a LOT of information to take in, if this is the reader’s way of learning more about this, but this means everything is in one place.This book is the book version of a knowledgeable or helpful human ally, but easier to find, so is definitely recommended for your library, to sit alongside Dawson’s earlier companion boko ‘This book is gay’. It is a re-assuring and affirming book but does not shy away from the problems a transgender or non-binary person faces. Discover what it means to be a young transgender and/or non-binary person in the twenty-first century in this candid and funny guide for teens from the bestselling author of This Book is Gay. Queen of Teen 2014 Juno Dawson is the multi award-winning author of six novels for young adults. In 2016, she authored the best-selling World Book Day title: SPOT THE DIFFERENCE.

I started Testosterone a month before I turned 18 and had top surgery seven months later. I waited several years before pursuing lower surgery, and had metoidioplasty in January 2018, and a second stage in July 2019. I had a very privileged transition journey compared to most, and it’s something I’m very grateful for.” He says: ‘From a trans perspective, I think that there’s so many places, in mainstream media in particular, where you don’t hear trans voices being uplifted positively. I think the best way is through listening, education, and having compassion. You don’t need to understand everything to be able to support someone. You just need to listen to how they’re feeling, and allow them the freedom to be themselves.” There’s definitely a misunderstanding among both cis and trans people, that dating becomes something entirely different when someone is trans. We’re not aliens, we just have a slightly different lived experience that doesn’t necessarily have to impact dating and relationships in a big way. The way trans people find dating and relationship partners, for example, is much the same as for cis people. I found my partner in college. Maybe you’re into someone from your school, or university, or workplace. Of course, we can’t forget that a lot of modern-day happily-ever after stories begin on dating apps, the concept of which terrifies me. Not because I’m trans, but because I’m genuinely so awful at flirting. You should hear me with Shaaba – if we weren’t already in love I’m sure I’d be single. The T in LGBT book cover. (Image: Provided)

Jamie's extraordinarily wonderful wife, Shaaba, also pops in now and again to give advice to the allies who may read the book. This is a great detail as sometimes people find it easier to listen to another ally rather than their own trans loved one (Listen to trans voices though, please, it's important).