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.