I, Sean/a: The Story of A Homeless Intersex Woman Who Inspired A Community

by Dr. Kirsten Viola Harrison, Sean/a Smith

Sean/a’s eccentric outfits and cheerful demeanor made her a prominent feature in the tight-knit seaside community of La Jolla. When Kirsten Harrison dug a little deeper, she discovered Sean/a had been homeless for years, and vowed to do whatever it took to find shelter for this intriguing, uniquely gifted individual.

Since their first synchronistic encounter, the lives of a homeless, intersex individual and a Doctor of Psychology became inexorably connected. But the journey was not theirs alone. Sean/a welcomed the community along for her exuberant, symbiotic liberation, and it all started with Sean/a’s inherent virtue of being neighborly. From eight years unhoused to co-author and teacher, Sean/a now travels the nation advocating for and restoring dignity to the oppressed, representing intersex rights.

This is their story.

358 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 21, 2025

Reviews

[Ruth Everett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I, Sean/a (co-authored by Sean/a and Dr. Kirsten Harrison) is as colourful and inspiring as the woman Sean/a, who leaps off its pages in her glamorous thrift store attire and bright smile in both photos and spirit. I, Sean/a is a book not only about the life of an intersex, unhoused person who is navigating identity and mental health issues but about a deep friendship between Sean/a and Harrison (Doc) who made it her mission to get Sean/a off the streets of La Jolla, CA. This book highlights the importance of human connection, acceptance and belonging in a world of diversity and challenge. The book could have been depressing as what Sean/a has gone through as a Black, intersex, marginalized individual is quite astounding and overwhelming, but I found each chapter brought sparks of light and highlighted “joy” which appropriately was a word Dr. Harrison received from Sean/a on one of her mood-therapy walks. I do hope someday I get to meet resilient Sean/a with her infectious joie de vivre that attracts so many. This book is an important read in this current political and social climate where human rights; especially LGBTQIA rights are being taken away as well as going unrecognized. Sean/a teaches us by her own example the value of embracing one’s authentic self and creating an inner sense of belonging. I love the profound impact that Sean/a and Dr. Harrison's friendship has had on each other’s lives. The book highlights the importance of being seen, restoring dignity and honouring being unique.

[Walter Strathdee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This feels like one of those rare stories that sticks with you long after the last page. Sean/a’s courage and joy, even in the face of hardship, was incredibly inspiring. The friendship between them and Dr. Harrison adds a beautiful layer, it’s not just about struggle, it’s about how connection heals. I found myself smiling at moments and tearing up at others. Worth your time if you want something meaningful.

[Emily Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

This isn’t just a story about struggle, it’s a story about what people can become when they’re truly seen. Sean/a’s voice came through so clearly, and the way her story was told with respect really moved me. I appreciated how the book tackled identity, resilience, and community without ever feeling cheap or sentimental. It made me rethink what strength really looks like. I’d recommend it to anyone who loves a powerful, authentic memoir.

[Reed Kellet · Rating 5 out of 5]

This felt like an honest look at what life can throw at someone, and how people can rise above it with support and grit. Sean/a’s journey is powerful, but what really made the book special was how it honored her voice and spirit. I loved the way the authors included both struggle and joy, without glossing over either. It made me more aware of the stories we overlook every day. I’ll be thinking about this one for a while.

[Gabi Youssef · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked this up thinking it might be heavy, and sure, there are some hard moments, but it’s also full of heart. Sean/a has this joyful, unapologetic way of being that was refreshing to read about. The book doesn’t shy away from the gritty parts of life, but it also celebrates triumphs big and small. It left me feeling more connected, not just to the story but to the idea of community itself. A very human book overall.

[Alex S · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wasn’t sure what to expect going in, but this book hit me right in the heart. The way the authors share Sean/a’s struggles with homelessness and identity is honest without being exploitative. There’s humor, pain, and a whole lot of compassion woven through the story. It made me think about how we see, and sometimes don’t see, the people around us. Definitely one that stays with you.

[Catherine Strathdee · Rating 5 out of 5]

What struck me most was how the book balances the tough realities of life on the margins with Sean/a’s vibrant personality. There were times I laughed, times I cried, and times I just sat back and thought about my own life. The authors don’t sugarcoat anything, but they also don’t leave you in the dark. There’s hope in these pages, not the cheesy kind, but the real kind. I’m glad I read it.