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Transitioning Later in Life: A Personal Guide
"This is my personal guide to help face who you are, accept who you are and love who you are, so you can watch your dreams and accomplishments flourish...If I can do it, you can do it too."
Jillian Celentano lived most of her life not accepting who she was. Since beginning her transition at the age of 55, she has been able to live authentically as her true self. In this helpful and practical guide, she offers advice to other people who are transitioning later in life.
Drawing on her personal experiences, she explores topics such as coming out to children, spouses and family, coming out at work, finding your authentic voice, experimenting with style and clothing, and stepping out in public for the first time. She explains how to deal with clocking and discrimination, body dysphoria and the importance of maintaining your physical and mental health. With candour and warmth throughout, this book will support readers on their path to self-love, happiness and acceptance.
Jillian Celentano lived most of her life not accepting who she was. Since beginning her transition at the age of 55, she has been able to live authentically as her true self. In this helpful and practical guide, she offers advice to other people who are transitioning later in life.
Drawing on her personal experiences, she explores topics such as coming out to children, spouses and family, coming out at work, finding your authentic voice, experimenting with style and clothing, and stepping out in public for the first time. She explains how to deal with clocking and discrimination, body dysphoria and the importance of maintaining your physical and mental health. With candour and warmth throughout, this book will support readers on their path to self-love, happiness and acceptance.
- GenresLGBT
208 pages, Paperback
Published July 21, 2021
8 people are currently reading
23 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
December 2, 2021
This is basically an autobiography of a trans woman coming out and transitioning in her 50s. I did appreciate that. It's a bit rambly. It does also have hopeful tips and stuff, it's mildly helpful. It did seem unaware of some privileges though and had some blind spots, but I still appreciate the tips and the hope and think it's a worthwhile read.
May 24, 2021
I received an ARC from Netgalley of this book. I was curious to read it in the first place because I love to see more examples of people who have transitioned later in life. I think this book does a good job o being part memoir and sharing the author's personal experience and part practical tips. I appreciate that the author acknowledges she has a particular goal that she was trying to reach in terms of presentation, but makes it clear that she does not think that is the only correct way of doing things. So for instance, she mentions that trans men may be finished with wearing makeup but that is not to say that no men wear makeup. I was also touched by some of the stories in this book of the author receiving support, like when her therapist helped her buy women's clothing.
August 23, 2021
I would like to thank net galley for allowing me to read this book, but unfortunately I can not give it a glowing review.
This is one lady’s account of what it is like to transition at an older age, and though I am older myself, and transitioning as well, it was a rough go.
The only plus side I can see to it, is, it was mildly helpful. That made up for the slow pacing and just endless rambling.
I wanted to read it to find out about her, and be supportive, but there were times I just thought of DNF (Did not Finish) it.
I was happy when it was over and that is pretty telling; since I am usually saddened when a book is done, because I don’t want it to end.
I wish the author lots of luck, but this is not a book I can recommend.
This is one lady’s account of what it is like to transition at an older age, and though I am older myself, and transitioning as well, it was a rough go.
The only plus side I can see to it, is, it was mildly helpful. That made up for the slow pacing and just endless rambling.
I wanted to read it to find out about her, and be supportive, but there were times I just thought of DNF (Did not Finish) it.
I was happy when it was over and that is pretty telling; since I am usually saddened when a book is done, because I don’t want it to end.
I wish the author lots of luck, but this is not a book I can recommend.
November 23, 2023
This was a nice read! It was very easy and quick to go through, and I also feel like I got some good advice (even being trans masc from a trans lady author). I really appreciated the idea of finding the niche job/life circumstance that you're wanted in. Sometimes I've tried to stay in a place I'm uncomfortable in hopes that I'll inspire others to make room for me, but from her advice and example I see from Calentano that one can make more of an impact in a position they thrive in. I can really see from her pictures how much happier she is now, and that was neat to see. Also even though this was written for older adults, I still found the information in it helpful and applicable to me. I may wish I'd done things differently in my past, but I'm here now and I can work with the present.
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July 19, 2021Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an eARC!
Most of the trans authors I read from are pretty young, so I was very curious to read a book written by an older trans woman who transitioned in her 50s.
I feel like this is a very good "guide" for trans people, but also for cis people like me who want to be the best allies they can.
I liked Jillian’s honesty and the fact she doesn’t sugar coat anything. Some topics can be pretty hard to talk about but she always finds the rights words. You can really feel both her pain or her happiness (depending of the topic that’s being discussed) throughout the whole book.
Most of the trans authors I read from are pretty young, so I was very curious to read a book written by an older trans woman who transitioned in her 50s.
I feel like this is a very good "guide" for trans people, but also for cis people like me who want to be the best allies they can.
I liked Jillian’s honesty and the fact she doesn’t sugar coat anything. Some topics can be pretty hard to talk about but she always finds the rights words. You can really feel both her pain or her happiness (depending of the topic that’s being discussed) throughout the whole book.
July 19, 2022
Full disclosure: I know and have worked with Jillian Celentano. I met this remarkable woman during the pandemic when, as an employee of the Stratford Library, I asked her to present her story on a Zoom program for our patrons. Just recently I was able to invite Jillian back to the library to share her story and discuss the new memoir. Reading her book is most inspiring even for those who are not transitioning. For those who are, however, I would think it would be an invaluable resource with Jillian's practical and loving advice front and center. For the rest of us, she has pointed a way for everyone to find their true selves and enjoy a happy life. Good for her. Congrats, Jillian!
November 9, 2023
A very appreciable autobiography. Jillian gives a lot of insight into her struggles and manages to show things in a unbiased and realistic light.
Could certainly use another pass or two where editing is concerned, particularly during the portions where she is relating the difficulties with her ex-wife. I understand these parts must be hard to review, but it is difficult to read.
I recommend this heartfelt relation of events to anyone who is considering, as the title says, in Transitioning Later in Life.
Could certainly use another pass or two where editing is concerned, particularly during the portions where she is relating the difficulties with her ex-wife. I understand these parts must be hard to review, but it is difficult to read.
I recommend this heartfelt relation of events to anyone who is considering, as the title says, in Transitioning Later in Life.
November 18, 2021
Being out for nearly a year and on hormones, for eight months I can relate to many of the details and specifics of transition that Jillian Celentano relates in this short book on her own transition. Part biography part sharing the tips of the many things one faces transitioning especially for someone like me transitioning in their fifties. She writes well although repeats now and again but has much useful advice and gets many important details right. Recommended for older trans men and women.
November 27, 2025
While I have to commend the author for the courage to put herself out there this way, with utmost candour and honesty, I can't help but add I was expecting more from this. Something more personal, more 'raw' and close to the chest, more about the experiences she lived - more of a memoir feel, is what I'm saying.
This book was much more a 'do this, do that, don't do this!' for people currently transitioning. It was more 'generic guide' than 'personal', and that was a let down, sadly.
This book was much more a 'do this, do that, don't do this!' for people currently transitioning. It was more 'generic guide' than 'personal', and that was a let down, sadly.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews