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Between: A Memoir on Gender Transition by a Mother and Her Trans Son
The lives of transgender people have evolved into a talking point in wider society. Many people have an opinion on trans issues, but few have informed that opinion by listening to the trans community. Between bridges this widening divide, sharing a deeply personal story of transition written by a mother and her transgender son.
Gemma and Leo Telford wrote their memoir with the aim of destigmatizing and humanizing transgender people and the issues they face. Their story provides an honest insight into what it’s really like to come out to your family, tell those in your inner circle, get help, grow up and live as a trans person, as well as what it feels like to parent a trans person.
Between beautifully illustrates the issues, pain, struggle and joy for trans people and their parents, and is a must-read for those in the same shoes, and those who want to be better friends and allies to the LGBTQ+ community.
Gemma and Leo Telford wrote their memoir with the aim of destigmatizing and humanizing transgender people and the issues they face. Their story provides an honest insight into what it’s really like to come out to your family, tell those in your inner circle, get help, grow up and live as a trans person, as well as what it feels like to parent a trans person.
Between beautifully illustrates the issues, pain, struggle and joy for trans people and their parents, and is a must-read for those in the same shoes, and those who want to be better friends and allies to the LGBTQ+ community.
276 pages, Paperback
Published February 4, 2025
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19 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
March 19, 2025
An incredibly informative read 💌
I found reading Leo and Gemma’s story super compelling as it challenged and rewrote my understanding of the complexities trans individuals face by revealing a true, realistic journey, bravely showing the hardships that many trans individuals endure, quite often alone and in silence.
I really appreciated the chronological retelling of their experiences alongside the comparison of mother and son’s perspective, it helped me as a reader to better empathise as I began to feel like I was living it through alongside them.
The authenticity in both Leo and Gemma’s writing is a brilliant example of both their natures; kind, resilient and brave. Very inspirational advocates for such a misrepresented area in society.
Thank you both for sharing🌟
Also, pink and red has become my personality this month so this book made me SMILE to hold in my hands 💗♥️💗♥️
I found reading Leo and Gemma’s story super compelling as it challenged and rewrote my understanding of the complexities trans individuals face by revealing a true, realistic journey, bravely showing the hardships that many trans individuals endure, quite often alone and in silence.
I really appreciated the chronological retelling of their experiences alongside the comparison of mother and son’s perspective, it helped me as a reader to better empathise as I began to feel like I was living it through alongside them.
The authenticity in both Leo and Gemma’s writing is a brilliant example of both their natures; kind, resilient and brave. Very inspirational advocates for such a misrepresented area in society.
Thank you both for sharing🌟
Also, pink and red has become my personality this month so this book made me SMILE to hold in my hands 💗♥️💗♥️
April 2, 2025
Such a good insight into the transitioning of transgender people and the challenges they face. The authors’ descriptions were honest, mature and considered. It’s made me want to read more from other transgender authors. They’re local too which is super cool!
March 16, 2025
A truly uplifting and inspirational account of one young man's transition journey.
I am now much better informed about how it is to be a trans person because of this book. Written in parallel chapters from the perspective of mother and her trans son, I can entirely relate to Gemma's experience as a mother, and can imagine myself responding in similar ways. This is a candid, and at times, painfully honest account of their experiences during Leo's transition.
But what really stands out is the courage, determination and resilience of Leo in pursuing his need to be his true self, which is so inspiring. My words cannot really do justice to the bravery he has shown as a young person, both in living through his transition and in the reliving of his experience to be able to write it down.
I have no doubt that this book will provide an enormous amount of support to others in his situation and that it will help to educate others such as me.
What incredible advocates you both are in patience, understanding, honesty and truth. Thank you for sharing.
I am now much better informed about how it is to be a trans person because of this book. Written in parallel chapters from the perspective of mother and her trans son, I can entirely relate to Gemma's experience as a mother, and can imagine myself responding in similar ways. This is a candid, and at times, painfully honest account of their experiences during Leo's transition.
But what really stands out is the courage, determination and resilience of Leo in pursuing his need to be his true self, which is so inspiring. My words cannot really do justice to the bravery he has shown as a young person, both in living through his transition and in the reliving of his experience to be able to write it down.
I have no doubt that this book will provide an enormous amount of support to others in his situation and that it will help to educate others such as me.
What incredible advocates you both are in patience, understanding, honesty and truth. Thank you for sharing.
February 8, 2025
Collaboratively written, Between charts their family’s journey as Leo has transitioned to live as a man.
With mother and son writing a chapter in turn, the book is a unique insight into the thoughts, feelings, fears and triumphs from each point of view and is a must-read for anyone wanting to look beyond the culture wars and understand real experiences of real people.
I was lucky enough to interview Gemma and Leo and you can read the piece here: https://www.bedfordindependent.co.uk/...
With mother and son writing a chapter in turn, the book is a unique insight into the thoughts, feelings, fears and triumphs from each point of view and is a must-read for anyone wanting to look beyond the culture wars and understand real experiences of real people.
I was lucky enough to interview Gemma and Leo and you can read the piece here: https://www.bedfordindependent.co.uk/...
February 14, 2025
An open, candid, 'to the bones' account and so very insightful to walk the journey with Gemma and Leo. It's an honour to read such beautiful words, to feel included page by page and as an ally, incredibly helpful to understand what is involved from their personal perspective. Congratulations on a book, written with feeling, compassion and honesty.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews