Trans Mission by Alex Bertie

Trans Mission

My Quest to a Beard

A brave firsthand account of online personality Alex Bertie’s life, struggles, and victories as a transgender teen, as well as a groundbreaking guide for transitioning teens.

Long before he became known for his YouTube videos, Alex Bertie was an isolated, often-afraid transgender teenager looking for answers. In this revolutionary memoir and valuable resource, Alex recounts his life, struggles, and victories as a young trans man. Along the way, he provides readers with accessible, highly researched explanations of gender, sexuality, and transitions. He explores without judgment how complicated all these things can be, and how many equally authentic ways there are to live as yourself and find happiness.

It can be hard for questioning teens to believe in a brighter future, let alone find any sense of community. Here, with clarity and compassion, Alex writes as a supportive older brother for transitioning teens, their allies, their parents, and anyone looking to better understand others — and themselves.

Praise

"Bertie is an affable, conscientious, and informed guide who writes well and gives his readers an invaluable, potentially life-changing and -saving book. It is highly recommended."—Booklist, starred review

"Blending autobiography and guidebook...Bertie serves as a relatable narrator who encourages his readers to do what they 'need to do to be happy' without ignoring the barriers they may face."—Publishers Weekly

"Must read."—NME

"The writing is lively and personal. The advice given is not preachy but rather practical and down-to-earth."—The School Librarian

"Personal, straightforward, and upbeat.... An accessible, hopeful road map for youth in transition and their friends, families, and communities."
—School Library Journal

"Making both writer and narrator debuts (who else could voice his story so well?), Bertie shares his coming out with unflinching honesty, raw vulnerability, and affectingly gentle humor."
—Booklist, review of audio edition