Books

Another incredible resource, books contain detailed first hand accounts from people who’ve had surgery. The wait for surgery can be overwhelming, but reading from people who survived the wait and made it to the other side can help keep your eye on the light at the end of the tunnel.

One of the post popular recommended books for people considering bottom surgery, Hung Jury includes accounts from many different people about their experience and post op life. It details life both most metoidioplasty and phalloplasty.

A wonderful read, Top to Bottom is a phalloplasty memoir written by Finlay Games, who also has many YouTube videos about his phallo experience. A friend gifted this to me when I was going through a rough time in between surgeries, and let me tell you it’s worth the read.

Another memoir, Chris Edwards’ Balls talks about his transition during a time before trans people were really talked about. He had 28 surgeries to “become the man he always knew he was meant to be.” He also frequently does public speaking events. I hope to add this book to my collection someday, after I catch up on my unread ones.

Shay Robertson writes about his transition in Sally to Shay. He talks about his life pre transition and the steps he takes to become his authentic self. He also goes into detail about his surgeries which can be helpful for those questioning or pursuing them. Shay lays out his highs and lows and reviewers describe the book as “raw, honest, and inspirational.”

Lou Sullivan was one of the first trans men to openly identify as gay. He kept a diary of his transition and life with AIDS and select parts are available in We Both Laughed In Pleasure. Because of his sexuality, he struggled to find a clinic that would treat his gender dysphoria. He did eventually find one and was diagnosed with AIDS some time after he had bottom surgery in 1986. He said “I took a certain pleasure in informing the gender clinic that even though their program told me I could not live as a Gay man, it looks like I'm going to die like one." He was an iconic activist and a valuable contributor to trans history.

Another memoir, He is about Michael Maher’s transition. He talks about his childhood and how it relates to his gender identity. Michael is also active on tiktok, where he talks about his LGBT identity, trans healthcare, and life post phalloplasty.