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Trans Mission: My Quest to a Beard
Being a teenager is difficult enough, but having to go through puberty whilst realising you're in the wrong body means dealing with a whole new set of problems: bullying, self-doubt and in some cases facing a physical and medical transition.
Alex is an ordinary teenager: he likes pugs, donuts, retro video games and he sleeps with his socks on. He's also transgender, and was born female. He's been living as a male for the past few years and he has recently started his physical transition.
Throughout this book, Alex will share what it means to be in his shoes, as well as his personal advice to other trans teens. Above all, he will show you that every step in his transition is another step towards happiness. This is an important and positive book, a heart-warming coming-of-age memoir with a broad appeal.
Alex is an ordinary teenager: he likes pugs, donuts, retro video games and he sleeps with his socks on. He's also transgender, and was born female. He's been living as a male for the past few years and he has recently started his physical transition.
Throughout this book, Alex will share what it means to be in his shoes, as well as his personal advice to other trans teens. Above all, he will show you that every step in his transition is another step towards happiness. This is an important and positive book, a heart-warming coming-of-age memoir with a broad appeal.
304 pages, Paperback
First published November 2, 2017
67 people are currently reading
2209 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 220 reviews
September 28, 2018
A very "trans 101" read, not a bad thing in itself but I was expecting a bit more. Honestly, a lot of this info you can find on Alex's/other FtM's YT channels, so I was hoping that this book would dive past the surface. I guess I was just disappointed Alex chose not to speak so much about his own life, rather give general advice that I could get from anywhere else. (Yes, he talks a bit about the hormone process in UK, etc. but it's distant & brief.) It's a very quick read, but I kept putting it down because I was getting bored. My favorite part was the portion of Alex's mum answering questions- it felt like the most forthcoming & honest part of the book. This would be an excellent read for those not familiar with trans topics, but there's really nothing new worth noting.
October 12, 2017
This is a brutally honest and at times painfully introspective examination of the process of transitioning FtM from young British YouTuber Alex Bertie.
For Alex, living in the UK, the journey has been a long process from the gradual realisation that he felt different and wrong in his skin and assigned at birth gender, to the struggle to get into the NHS system to start his transition.
But he also acknowledges that its been an easier process than it would be elsewhere in the world and it's this wider awareness of intention to educate which is prevalent throughout the book.
With insights from his mum as well about what it's like to be the parent of a transgender child, this book should be on the shelf of every library and school in the UK.
It uses easily understandable language and simple explanations to lay bare the hugely emotional and physical changes Alex has gone through and makes no excuses for the struggles he still deals with.
I'd advise anyone who wishes to be an ally to the trans community to pick it up because, although it focuses on female to male transitioning, it also contains a lot of really sensible advice for anyone interacting with those questioning their identity.
#ARC received from the publishers via NetGalley in return for an honest and unbiased review.
For Alex, living in the UK, the journey has been a long process from the gradual realisation that he felt different and wrong in his skin and assigned at birth gender, to the struggle to get into the NHS system to start his transition.
But he also acknowledges that its been an easier process than it would be elsewhere in the world and it's this wider awareness of intention to educate which is prevalent throughout the book.
With insights from his mum as well about what it's like to be the parent of a transgender child, this book should be on the shelf of every library and school in the UK.
It uses easily understandable language and simple explanations to lay bare the hugely emotional and physical changes Alex has gone through and makes no excuses for the struggles he still deals with.
I'd advise anyone who wishes to be an ally to the trans community to pick it up because, although it focuses on female to male transitioning, it also contains a lot of really sensible advice for anyone interacting with those questioning their identity.
#ARC received from the publishers via NetGalley in return for an honest and unbiased review.
February 23, 2018
It's been a while since I read this book and I've been meaning to review it but sadly I've been really busy and have fallen behind with both reviews and blogging. As a trans guy who's followed Alex Bertie ever since I moved to the UK almost 2 years ago, I was really excited about being able to read his book and jumped at the chance to the second I saw it on Netgalley. Sadly, I was disappointed. While Alex is great on video the book felt poorly written and awkwardly flowing, had it been an audiobook I think my opinion of it would be way more favourable. Overall I think it could be a good book for allies and trans guys early in their transition who prefer written media and want to have a single comprehensive narrative, for everyone else I recommend you stick with his youtube channel.
I received a copy of the book through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I received a copy of the book through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
March 27, 2023
A relatable and heartfelt memoir from a teen transgender activist/influencer. Short but powerful, this was an easy read full of lots of great information for trans teens, allies and parents. Good as an audiobook narrated by the author themselves too.
April 26, 2020
I always feel weird reviewing autobiographies - how on earth are you meant to apply stars to someone's life? I settled on the score I have because whilst this is a lovely resource for young trans men (particularly in the UK as it deals with navigating the NHS) there are a lot of, hm. Broad statements about other letters in the ol LGBT acronym that were deeply uncomfortable to say the least.
Alex himself admits he isn't speaking as The Voice on LGBT issues, and of course sexuality and gender are always deeply personal and no one's experience is ever entirely the same, but several things stood out as glaring red flags - issues that, for someone who apparently does youth work and key note speeches at LGBT panels, should really educate themselves better on before publishing a book.
For example Alex describes pansexuality as, essentially, being a more accepting version of bisexuality (p. 220.) Bi people, according to Alex, won't date anyone that falls outside the gender binary - this is....such a dangerous and biphobic attitude to have, a stance that bi people have repeatedly refuted, and is something that's iterated not once but three times. (p. 16, 220, 298)
By all means, identify as pansexual, but at no point if you're pansexual should you be deciding what bisexuality is. Bi simply means 'more than one' it does not, and has never, meant 'two.'
I was also amazed that in the glossary of LGBT terms at the back of the book gay, lesbian and bisexual weren't listed at all but things like 'androsexual' and 'demisexual' were. These former labels were even mentioned in the book, and whilst it might seem that they are obvious, if your subheading on the page is 'important terms to remember' and you're touting yourself as a representative of LGBT youth, you may want to include the rest of the acronym. As a lesbian I even went straight to the 'l' and found just 'LGBTQ+ - lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and questioning identities.' Well, there I am I guess. Nice to have a shout out I suppose.
Again, Alex himself admits these are his opinions, but several times in the book he talks about accountability, so it seems odd that at no point during this entire publishing process no one said 'hey these are contentious inter-community issues at the moment, maybe you shouldn't make sweeping statements about them.'
Then again, no one in publishing has a brain, and I probably shouldn't expect much from a guy who says Tyler Oakley is a source of inspiration.
Alex himself admits he isn't speaking as The Voice on LGBT issues, and of course sexuality and gender are always deeply personal and no one's experience is ever entirely the same, but several things stood out as glaring red flags - issues that, for someone who apparently does youth work and key note speeches at LGBT panels, should really educate themselves better on before publishing a book.
For example Alex describes pansexuality as, essentially, being a more accepting version of bisexuality (p. 220.) Bi people, according to Alex, won't date anyone that falls outside the gender binary - this is....such a dangerous and biphobic attitude to have, a stance that bi people have repeatedly refuted, and is something that's iterated not once but three times. (p. 16, 220, 298)
By all means, identify as pansexual, but at no point if you're pansexual should you be deciding what bisexuality is. Bi simply means 'more than one' it does not, and has never, meant 'two.'
I was also amazed that in the glossary of LGBT terms at the back of the book gay, lesbian and bisexual weren't listed at all but things like 'androsexual' and 'demisexual' were. These former labels were even mentioned in the book, and whilst it might seem that they are obvious, if your subheading on the page is 'important terms to remember' and you're touting yourself as a representative of LGBT youth, you may want to include the rest of the acronym. As a lesbian I even went straight to the 'l' and found just 'LGBTQ+ - lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and questioning identities.' Well, there I am I guess. Nice to have a shout out I suppose.
Again, Alex himself admits these are his opinions, but several times in the book he talks about accountability, so it seems odd that at no point during this entire publishing process no one said 'hey these are contentious inter-community issues at the moment, maybe you shouldn't make sweeping statements about them.'
Then again, no one in publishing has a brain, and I probably shouldn't expect much from a guy who says Tyler Oakley is a source of inspiration.
March 17, 2019
While I personally didn't gain much from this book, this is a *MUST HAVE* for any school and library, this should be available to teens and adults everywhere. Trans Mission is a combination of Alex Bertie's personal journey transitioning to male, what that means, and explaining the steps one takes to transition in a way that is direct and makes sense to readers who may not understand. Transitioning takes both an emotional and physical toll, sometimes reshaping relationships for better or worse. Bertie recounts coming out to family and friends, as well as his medical process. This is an essential account of a serious topic, but written in an upbeat way. A must have for teens and the spaces they occupy.
October 3, 2022
3,5/5
Niet veel nieuwe informatie voor mij, maar wel een goed boek. Mooie toevoeging die brief van zijn moeder
Niet veel nieuwe informatie voor mij, maar wel een goed boek. Mooie toevoeging die brief van zijn moeder
July 9, 2018
Finally had time to sit down and finish reading this book which I was already so excited to read when I found it in the bookstore.
Before reading this book,I had no clue who Alex was or that he was on YouTube, but being a massive supporter of the lgbt+ community and having friends/being apart of it myself, I always find myself drawn to reading about/ wanting to read about and learn other peoples stories and genuinely just being more educated on everything.
It’s definitely a book I’d recommend to everyone, no matter what gender or sexuality you are because his story is very interesting and insightful and it made me more aware of things in general.
Before reading this book,I had no clue who Alex was or that he was on YouTube, but being a massive supporter of the lgbt+ community and having friends/being apart of it myself, I always find myself drawn to reading about/ wanting to read about and learn other peoples stories and genuinely just being more educated on everything.
It’s definitely a book I’d recommend to everyone, no matter what gender or sexuality you are because his story is very interesting and insightful and it made me more aware of things in general.
December 12, 2017
I loved this book. It has really helped me reading it, and I feel that everyone should read it regardless of gender or gender identity.
April 14, 2023
Está bien a nivel informativo, desde la experiencia propia del autor. Tiene partes que me gustaron muchísimo, y otros en los que sentía que trataba demasiado de enseñar. Igual está bonito.
November 15, 2022
As a trans guy in my late twenties trying to grow a beard, I had to pick up this book from the bookstore shelf. Sadly, it feels like this book isn't for me at all, and I wonder who would be the target audience. Probably trans teens and their loved ones who support them during transition.
This book reads a lot like a transition guide for a kid in school living at his parents' place (which is the experience of the author), so there wasn't much I could learn from an informative point of view.
Of course it's nice to read about other people's experiences but for readers like me, we don't need the 101 around it.
The author says explicitly he's not an expert and a lot of the book is his personal opinion, still the book could be taken as a resource from clueless kids/parents. In the book, Alex advocates for being open with parents and getting them onboard to fully support your transition. He was lucky to have overall supportive parents, but says himself that it delayed him being on hormones in a country with already very long waiting lists. It turned out OK for him, but such advice could be potentially dangerous for kids who don't have a strong support network and could even be kicked out by their parents.
After reading the book um not sure who I'd suggest it to. Probably the best audience would be found in a community/school bookshelf or as a gift for a trans kid in the UK or their parents/caregivers/adult support person who I'm certain would be supportive?
This book reads a lot like a transition guide for a kid in school living at his parents' place (which is the experience of the author), so there wasn't much I could learn from an informative point of view.
Of course it's nice to read about other people's experiences but for readers like me, we don't need the 101 around it.
The author says explicitly he's not an expert and a lot of the book is his personal opinion, still the book could be taken as a resource from clueless kids/parents. In the book, Alex advocates for being open with parents and getting them onboard to fully support your transition. He was lucky to have overall supportive parents, but says himself that it delayed him being on hormones in a country with already very long waiting lists. It turned out OK for him, but such advice could be potentially dangerous for kids who don't have a strong support network and could even be kicked out by their parents.
After reading the book um not sure who I'd suggest it to. Probably the best audience would be found in a community/school bookshelf or as a gift for a trans kid in the UK or their parents/caregivers/adult support person who I'm certain would be supportive?
January 4, 2018
Alex Bertie was born female, came out when he went to college and has recently started his female to male transition. He has documented this on his popular YouTube channel sharing his journey, treatment and surgery. However, this book starts with his childhood years and continues with his story through the tweens, teens and into young adulthood.
It is a first-hand account of the passage of a young transgender man, told openly and honestly in a comfortable, relaxed style and with an authentic voice. The writing is lively and personal, the advice given is not preachy but rather practical and down-to-earth; Alex doesn’t confess to having all the answers but raises questions that make the reader think. The format is accessible with quotes in bold font and there are chapters on the physical, social and emotional aspects of transitioning as well as one written by his mother. Additionally, there are lists of useful websites covering transcultures, information, rights and support.
An excellent addition to the school library shelves, this book would be useful not only for those considering or undertaking transition but also their friends and family. Although possibly aimed at teenagers, I would not want to restrict access to this book.
It is a first-hand account of the passage of a young transgender man, told openly and honestly in a comfortable, relaxed style and with an authentic voice. The writing is lively and personal, the advice given is not preachy but rather practical and down-to-earth; Alex doesn’t confess to having all the answers but raises questions that make the reader think. The format is accessible with quotes in bold font and there are chapters on the physical, social and emotional aspects of transitioning as well as one written by his mother. Additionally, there are lists of useful websites covering transcultures, information, rights and support.
An excellent addition to the school library shelves, this book would be useful not only for those considering or undertaking transition but also their friends and family. Although possibly aimed at teenagers, I would not want to restrict access to this book.
June 28, 2018
I've been following Alex on his YouTube channel for years now. Even before he came out as trans and I was still questioning.
I don't know where I would be today without his videos and those of other trans YouTubers. Visibility is immensely important so I'm beyond grateful that he's still doing his thing and even got to write his own book!
Most of the things described in this book I already new about but that didn't matter.
It felt really empowering to just hold the book in my hands and actually read about his journey!
It's a big step forward and I hope both his book and his YouTube channel continue to help people in the future.
Just, thank you for everything Alex.
I don't know where I would be today without his videos and those of other trans YouTubers. Visibility is immensely important so I'm beyond grateful that he's still doing his thing and even got to write his own book!
Most of the things described in this book I already new about but that didn't matter.
It felt really empowering to just hold the book in my hands and actually read about his journey!
It's a big step forward and I hope both his book and his YouTube channel continue to help people in the future.
Just, thank you for everything Alex.
July 2, 2023
DNF at page 117. I really tried to like this book but it just didn’t sit right with me. While I totally enjoy reading other trans masc peoples stories and can understand their opinions being different than mine I just couldn’t keep reading someone defend transphobia from parents and say to keep dealing with it. While I understand having sympathy for parents of trans kids to some extent it just was too much for me.
October 30, 2019
This book is a bit all over the place. It’s part memoir and part 101 intro for people who have never heard of or met a trans person before but also part advice for people who are young and transitioning and those are just very different audiences. It seems a bit like “I’m somewhat famous and had the opportunity to write a book about my experiences, so I did!” I wish it’d had more of a focus.
April 11, 2022
Nothing against Alex as I adore him but other than the opening letter, it’s pretty much stuff you could hear on his YouTube and isn’t particularly written well :’)
Read
August 16, 2023Alex Bertie admits right off the bat that writing is not his preferred method of communication, which is hardly a spoiler since he works professionally as a YouTuber and graphic designer. While his autobiography is a bit choppy in its narrative at times, Bertie’s bravery and generosity at sharing his story of becoming provides a critically valuable resource for young trans folks and their families and friends. This short, accessible read would be perfect to give to loved ones from different generations to gain some insight into both what it’s like to grow up in a fully connected digital world and what it’s like to grow up trans. Bertie also includes a great resource list. I don’t feel comfortable rating something that was clearly written by someone who isn’t trying to be a famous writer for the purpose of helping others, but I would recommend it to both teens, trans teens and the people who love them. The audiobook is read by the author, and I found I understood him better if I slowed it down a little.
April 15, 2023
I hate having to rate memoirs/autobiographies. The stories and experiences shared are so personal and relevant to the writer; my opinion shouldn’t matter.
That said, I thought this was an excellent “Trans 101” for younger people, or for parents of trans kids. This is specifically written from a FtM viewpoint, and the author makes it clear that he is sharing his experience (especially with his family and the UK health system).
Overall, as a parent, this is a book I would recommend as an early resource for parents wanting to find more information on how to support their trans kids. (To be clear—not to supplant their own feelings and experience, but as a resource.) Through Alex’s experiences, it’s so easy to spot the parts where additional support (or any support) would have made a huge difference in his life. As parents, we should look for opportunities to support our kids (or our kids’ friends) in as many ways as possible.
That said, I thought this was an excellent “Trans 101” for younger people, or for parents of trans kids. This is specifically written from a FtM viewpoint, and the author makes it clear that he is sharing his experience (especially with his family and the UK health system).
Overall, as a parent, this is a book I would recommend as an early resource for parents wanting to find more information on how to support their trans kids. (To be clear—not to supplant their own feelings and experience, but as a resource.) Through Alex’s experiences, it’s so easy to spot the parts where additional support (or any support) would have made a huge difference in his life. As parents, we should look for opportunities to support our kids (or our kids’ friends) in as many ways as possible.
August 17, 2025
This book was recently banned from the school libraries in the district I work in. I wanted to read it myself and see what the fuss was about.
In the state of Florida, Florida statute says that books can only be banned if they are of pornographic content or are harmful to children. This book is neither. It is the memoir/story of Alex's quest to change assigned-at-birth gender from female to male. From and early age Alex was never comfortable in his skin, or in being female and all that comes with it. He questioned, created an online presence and searched the Internet for answers to who he truly was. In his late teens he began hormone treatments which helped him become more comfortable in who he was inside. The book is filled with practical advice and deep understanding about what other people questioning their gender might be facing. He is very careful to continually state that this is HIS story and no one else's and that everyone must find their own way. His intention with this book is not to shock or "indoctrinate" anyone into being someone they are not. Alex story is meant to let others know that they are not alone.
In the state of Florida, Florida statute says that books can only be banned if they are of pornographic content or are harmful to children. This book is neither. It is the memoir/story of Alex's quest to change assigned-at-birth gender from female to male. From and early age Alex was never comfortable in his skin, or in being female and all that comes with it. He questioned, created an online presence and searched the Internet for answers to who he truly was. In his late teens he began hormone treatments which helped him become more comfortable in who he was inside. The book is filled with practical advice and deep understanding about what other people questioning their gender might be facing. He is very careful to continually state that this is HIS story and no one else's and that everyone must find their own way. His intention with this book is not to shock or "indoctrinate" anyone into being someone they are not. Alex story is meant to let others know that they are not alone.
November 19, 2017
5 stars because this book is important!
Alex Bertie is a well-known trans YouTuber. I've been following his videos for a few months and have found them to be a great resource. Currently there seems to be a wave of anti-trans propaganda in the British media which is misleading and fallacious at best, downright dangerous at worst. That's why I think this book is so important. It's accessible, written in clear and simple language, and doesn't presuppose any prior knowledge. I think it's going to be particularly useful for FTM/transmasculine teens and their families. I didn't feel that it was really targeted to my age group, but I wish I'd had it to read as a teenager. I also didn't learn anything new, but I certainly enjoyed reading it.
This is Alex's story, from his tomboy childhood, to figuring out he was trans, coming out, and accessing the healthcare he needed. And it's from a UK perspective, as a bonus! Of course, it's only one particular guy's experience and he doesn't pretend to represent everyone, but I think most transmasc people will find something here to relate to. He also devotes chapters to hormones, different surgeries trans guys may choose to get, and things like sex and relationships and job hunting while trans. You won't get all the information you need from this book, but it's a great springboard and he provides a list of resources at the back of the book for further reading. Also included is a chapter written by his mother, which I thought was a nice touch. This book would be really useful to give to your family and friends to read if you're a trans guy and you want them to have a better understanding of what you're going through. It's a quick, easy, and humourous read.
The more trans voices there are out there, the better! It can literally save lives. That's why I think books like this are so important!
Alex Bertie is a well-known trans YouTuber. I've been following his videos for a few months and have found them to be a great resource. Currently there seems to be a wave of anti-trans propaganda in the British media which is misleading and fallacious at best, downright dangerous at worst. That's why I think this book is so important. It's accessible, written in clear and simple language, and doesn't presuppose any prior knowledge. I think it's going to be particularly useful for FTM/transmasculine teens and their families. I didn't feel that it was really targeted to my age group, but I wish I'd had it to read as a teenager. I also didn't learn anything new, but I certainly enjoyed reading it.
This is Alex's story, from his tomboy childhood, to figuring out he was trans, coming out, and accessing the healthcare he needed. And it's from a UK perspective, as a bonus! Of course, it's only one particular guy's experience and he doesn't pretend to represent everyone, but I think most transmasc people will find something here to relate to. He also devotes chapters to hormones, different surgeries trans guys may choose to get, and things like sex and relationships and job hunting while trans. You won't get all the information you need from this book, but it's a great springboard and he provides a list of resources at the back of the book for further reading. Also included is a chapter written by his mother, which I thought was a nice touch. This book would be really useful to give to your family and friends to read if you're a trans guy and you want them to have a better understanding of what you're going through. It's a quick, easy, and humourous read.
The more trans voices there are out there, the better! It can literally save lives. That's why I think books like this are so important!
June 30, 2020
A memoir filled with information about “transliness.” It’s super easy to read, not many words on the page and tons of info. The difference between UK and US medical system is shocking. So much better in the UK.
Anyway who is this book for? Bertie has a YouTube channel so many transgender teens may have already found him there. I don’t know how different this book is from his channel. There’s a lot of info for allies and family members, but he is speaking directly to transgender teens, and I kind of felt like I was eavesdropping (and I learned a lot)
Anyway who is this book for? Bertie has a YouTube channel so many transgender teens may have already found him there. I don’t know how different this book is from his channel. There’s a lot of info for allies and family members, but he is speaking directly to transgender teens, and I kind of felt like I was eavesdropping (and I learned a lot)
November 11, 2025
Mostly autobiography with some chapters being more "trans 101" info. I skipped most of it cuz I'm not a baby trans or beginning ally so I already knew all of it.
I found this book sooo boring. It's doesn't dive any deeper than into a kiddy pool. Everything is so surface level. Not to be harsh but this book had nothing new or interesting to say in my opinion. It's so youtuber who got a book deal core.
But ig im not the target audience. If I read this when I was 13 I would have thought it was awesome probably.
I found this book sooo boring. It's doesn't dive any deeper than into a kiddy pool. Everything is so surface level. Not to be harsh but this book had nothing new or interesting to say in my opinion. It's so youtuber who got a book deal core.
But ig im not the target audience. If I read this when I was 13 I would have thought it was awesome probably.
December 24, 2019
In essence it felt like this book wanted to be too much at the same time: educating cis people, helping trans kids help themselves, telling a life's story, promoting Youtube and more. It read like transcripts of your average Youtube transition videos. Basically I just felt old.
But it was clear, well-structured and definitely useful for both trans kids looking for help and people who just want to know more.
But it was clear, well-structured and definitely useful for both trans kids looking for help and people who just want to know more.
January 16, 2020
An excellent excellent informative read that everyone should read whether you are transgender or know someone who is transgender. I can tell you that as a cisgender person, I found all the information that Alex wrote extremely valuable. And as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, I know first hand that acceptance is one of the best things to give us and one way to do that is to stay informed and be respectful.
June 9, 2019
This was a great read, helped me to understand some things that my trans son is feeling but can't articulate very well. I recommend this book to anyone with a trans child, or who knows someone who is trans and transitioning. Lots of good info.
July 19, 2019
This book was very Trans 101. I think it will be very good for people who are not as familiar with being trans/who are questioning or parents/loved ones of trans people but as someone who is trans, I felt like I didn't learn anything new personally.
April 21, 2023
I really liked this young man's story, and the way he presented it! The formatting of the book is fabulous. He tells his own story, but he also addresses lots of issues and questions that someone might have if they are going through their own transition, or if they are someone who loves a person going through transition. I've been reading everything I can get my hands on, since my own teen came to me and shared that they are trans. I feel like this book is a keeper! It provided some great insight for me as the parent of a transgender teen.
June 25, 2019
Very informative.
June 25, 2021
Very insightful espescially in understanding gender dysphoria. It's a personal account of his experiences, well written and narrated. Can only recommend.
September 27, 2022
3.5/5
Just another trans story, nothing special to be honest. I did like the perspective of his mom.
Just another trans story, nothing special to be honest. I did like the perspective of his mom.
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