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Just Add Hormones: An Insider's Guide to the Transsexual Experience Paperback – June 1, 2006

by Matt Kailey (Author)
4.5 out of 5 stars 73 ratings
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Matt Kailey lived as a straight woman for the first forty-two years of his life. Though happy as a social worker and teacher, he knew something wasn't right. Then he made some changes. With the help of a good therapist, chest surgery, and some strong doses of testosterone, Kailey began his journey toward becoming a man.

As his body morphed and his voice dropped, Kailey began noticing subtle shifts in the way he was treated. Men suddenly stopped offering to change flat tires for him but insisted on talking to him about women and bodily functions. Women got nervous when he baby-talked to their infants but routinely asked him to move heavy things around the office. In these everyday exchanges, Kailey recognized the many ways we define what it means to be male. He also realized that, with few role models, he had to learn to accept himself as a person between two genders.

As he writes about his transition from female to male, Kailey answers all the questions you've ever had about what it's like to live as a transsexual. From the fear of public restrooms to deciding whether to "pack" his pants, Kailey explains what the world looks like from his new vantage point-a position more people are discovering as gender transitions become increasingly common.

More than a memoir, Just Add Hormones is full of sound advice for those who may be questioning their gender. And through his story, Kailey offers valuable insights to the families and friends of those who have started a transition.

Funny, fresh, and incredibly candid, Just Add Hormones can help us all consider-and even laugh at-our own notions of what it means to be a man or a woman.
Previous slide of product details
  1. Print length
    184 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Beacon Press
  4. Publication date
    June 1, 2006
  5. Dimensions
    5.5 x 0.46 x 8.5 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    0807079596
  7. ISBN-13
    978-0807079591
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The Amazon Book Review
Book recommendations, author interviews, editors' picks, and more. Read it now.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Parts of Just Add Hormones dwell, wittily, on the author's own experiences . . . other chapters offer a cheeky insider's discussion of pesky pronouns, pants-packing, bathroom blues, and on-the-job jitters. But the real worth of Just Add Hormones stems from its thoughtful analysis-at times philosophical, at times political, and at times polemical-of a life-changing decision.--Richard Labonte, Q Syndicate

"A heartfelt plea for mainstream American society to understand, accept and support gender diversity . . . Kailey describes all with frankness, engaging his reader with honesty and a touch of humor."
-Kirkus Reviews

"This book is a natural for the gender issues shelves."
-Booklist

"Anyone who has ever contemplated, is just curious about, or finds him or herself in the midst of gender transformation will appreciate and applaud this extraordinary, comprehensive journal. Both informative and quite fascinating, Kailey delivers his life story with a compassionate eye and a true heart."--Jim Piechota, Bay Area Reporter

"This is the perfect primer for those of us with transsexual friends and loved ones, those on their own path of self-discovery, and those who simply have questions about it all. For all of us, Kailey has the answers." --Michael Thomas Ford, author of My Big, Fat, Queer Life

"Just Add Hormones successfully transcends the great gender divide. It has a little something for everyone, no matter your gender or lack of one. Matt Kailey paints an accurate and entertaining landscape of transsexual life."--Kate Bornstein, author of My Gender Workbook

About the Author

Matt Kailey is an author, journalist, public speaker, and female-to-male transsexual. A former social worker, he now writes and speaks on issues of gender and sexuality. Kailey lives in Denver, Colorado.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Beacon Press; Reprint edition (June 1, 2006)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 184 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0807079596
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0807079591
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 8 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.5 x 0.46 x 8.5 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.5 out of 5 stars 73 ratings

About the author

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Matt Kailey

Matt Kailey

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Matt Kailey is an award-winning author, blogger, professor, and transgender community activist. He began his transition from female to male in 1997, and since then, he has educated, enlightened, and entertained audiences across the United States and the world through his writing and presentations focusing on transgender issues. He has appeared in five documentary films and is the recipient of four community awards for activism. His book "Just Add Hormones: An Insider's Guide to the Transsexual Experience" was a Lambda Literary Award finalist, and his short story "Cam's Decision" was the recipient of the Poets & Writers Inc. Writers Exchange Award for fiction.

Matt's latest book, "Teeny Weenies and Other Short Subjects," is a collection of humorous essays about his life before and after transition. He is also working on a series of short books offering "10 Tips" for those involved with trans people. The first of these, "My Child is Transgender – 10 Tips for Parents of Adult Trans Children," is available now on Kindle.

Matt is also a part-time college-level psychology instructor and teaches his own class, "Writing Your Gender," offering college students a chance to explore their own gender through the art of personal essay.

Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
73 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book readable and engaging, with one mentioning it's particularly helpful for newly FTM individuals. Moreover, the information quality receives positive feedback, with one customer noting it's not overly technical or jargon-heavy. Additionally, customers appreciate the writing style, with one highlighting its open-minded approach to the transgender process.

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10 customers mention "Readability"10 positive0 negative

Customers find the book readable and fun to read, with one mentioning it serves as an excellent resource for newly FTM individuals.

"This is an excellent read, not just for the trans* community, but for all human beings...." Read more

"I was able to read this book in about an hour and a half. It is a good book for those who know nothing about transexuals, especially the FTM..." Read more

"Good book" Read more

"...This is a good read for anyone that has a friend, relative, or loved one that doesn't fit in the typical gender "buckets"..." Read more

8 customers mention "Information quality"8 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's information quality, with one customer noting that it avoids science jargon and is easy to understand.

"...Kailey presents a very rational, open-minded approach to the transgender process -- physical, mental, emotional -- and beautifully describes how..." Read more

"...I did not relate to the book that much but there was good information therein...." Read more

"I connected with this author's experiences 99% and it helped me so much, not only to confirm that I am indeed trans despite how feminine I was when..." Read more

"Matt did such a great job in providing so much information and education on transgender and gender related issues...." Read more

7 customers mention "Writing style"7 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the writing style of the book, with one customer noting its open-minded approach to the transgender process and another highlighting how it takes on gender stereotypes.

"...Kailey presents a very rational, open-minded approach to the transgender process -- physical, mental, emotional -- and beautifully describes how..." Read more

"...I especially appriciated his take on gender stereotypes and gendered expectations - as a man he was no longer "allowed" to show certain emotions..." Read more

"...This is one of the best books on transitioning from female to male that I've read...." Read more

"...a great job in providing so much information and education on transgender and gender related issues...." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • G.R. Lyons
    5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent read for all human beings
    Reviewed in the United States on May 23, 2014
    Verified Purchase
    This is an excellent read, not just for the trans* community, but for all human beings. Kailey presents a very rational, open-minded approach to the transgender process -- physical, mental, emotional -- and beautifully describes how labels are not just damaging but constricting and unnecessary. Each human being is a unique individual, and should be treated as such, rather than trying to squeeze people into predefined boxes that usually don't truly apply to any one person, let alone a whole group of people. As such, his book spoke eloquently to my libertarian / anarchist philosophy. Also, it helped me feel validated, not just as a gender-nonconforming person, but as a human being in general. We don't need labels to define us for society's convenience. What we need is to live and let live.
    One person found this helpful
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  • K.J. Dogluv
    4.0 out of 5 stars Great book for newly FTM folks
    Reviewed in the United States on November 14, 2012
    Verified Purchase
    I was able to read this book in about an hour and a half. It is a good book for those who know nothing about transexuals, especially the FTM experience. This book is written from the perspective of one who was born female and acted "female", ie wore girly clothes, dated men, got married, etc. She did not become he until the age of 42. I am transitioning myself right now, at age 48. I did not relate to the book that much but there was good information therein. I would recommend it especially to those who were females who wore makeup, heels, got married and were generally seen as female most of their lives, and had to learn to act and look male while transitioning. I did not have this experience myself, as I was called a boy from birth, all during girlhood (even though I had to wear dresses at school in the 60's) and called sir most of my adult life at least 75% of the time. A better book to relate to for those of us who felt male and acted and looked male before we transitioned is Jamison Green's Becoming a Visible Man. BOTH books are great however and I recommend both!
    4 people found this helpful
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  • Seth
    5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent resource.
    Reviewed in the United States on October 5, 2009
    Verified Purchase
    This book is great for anyone who wants to get a first-person perspective on female-to-make gender transition - obviously Matt Kailey doesn't speak for everyone, but his experience gives a good idea of what it's like. I especially appriciated his take on gender stereotypes and gendered expectations - as a man he was no longer "allowed" to show certain emotions (like telling someone that their new baby was "so adorable" because this is seen as unmasculine) or the observation that after having chest surgery he is now allowed to walk around without a shirt, something that he certainly wouldn't have been able to do beforehand.
    3 people found this helpful
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  • Arien Reed
    5.0 out of 5 stars Removed my fear and allowed me to embrace myself
    Reviewed in the United States on May 26, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    I connected with this author's experiences 99% and it helped me so much, not only to confirm that I am indeed trans despite how feminine I was when I identified as female, but also to understand what was ahead, since I was thinking of medical transition before I was even sure I was trans. This book helped me so much, and just when I really needed this kind of help, when I was terrified and alone and uncertain. A year and a half later (since I read the book) I'm now 10 months on T and I'm so happy. This book saved me.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Amazon Customer
    4.0 out of 5 stars Four Stars
    Reviewed in the United States on January 15, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    Good book
    Helpful
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  • David Ralano
    5.0 out of 5 stars Really Good Book
    Reviewed in the United States on June 9, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    I've read this book twice. Once several years ago and again just recently. This is one of the best books on transitioning from female to male that I've read. I would recommend reading this book to anyone that is considering transitioning, has transitioned, or is close to someone who has transitioned.
    One person found this helpful
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  • shadowmib
    3.0 out of 5 stars More like a blog.
    Reviewed in the United States on June 5, 2012
    Verified Purchase
    I bought and read this a few years ago, and frankly I have forgotten about everything in it. It wasn't very memorable and certainly didn't stick with me over the years. My general impression of it was like a sort of stream of consciousness blogging effort, than any kind of autobiography.

    I do not possess the book anymore, so apparently I must have passed it on to someone else to read.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Sam Stuart Thayer
    5.0 out of 5 stars well written transgender book!
    Reviewed in the United States on October 6, 2014
    Verified Purchase
    Matt did such a great job in providing so much information and education on transgender and gender related issues. This is a good read for anyone that has a friend, relative, or loved one that doesn't fit in the typical gender "buckets"
    Thank you Matt for all that you shared in this book!
    Helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Ray
    5.0 out of 5 stars Insightful and helpful
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 17, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    There were many things in this book that I had never considered, all of which are important to consider. Obviously this is a very important journey to go and and the more you know about what it could be like then the more prepare you are for the ups and downs. Thanks for your bravery in shining the light in the important issues and for being visible for all to see.
    Report
  • Quinton
    5.0 out of 5 stars Love it
    Reviewed in Canada on April 22, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    enjoyed how interactive this book was. It really allows you to evaluate your inner self.
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  • Mangrove Throatwarbler
    4.0 out of 5 stars Loved it
    Reviewed in Canada on March 8, 2007
    Verified Purchase
    I enjoyed this book and thought it was great. The best part was the before and after photos, both in the book and on his site. Unlike the other narcisistic transition stories i have read, Mr Kaylee tends to "unfocus" on himself and paints a broader picture of the community at large.

    I would have liked to have read more about the actual transition, but it was well done.
    Report
  • anymouse
    3.0 out of 5 stars Its not a bad book, but if you're not keen on droney ...
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 20, 2014
    Verified Purchase
    This book took a little bit of getting into, he really knows how to labour a point, this is just my opinion, but its just how it comes across. By the mid point of the book I was about to give up, then the text started picking up, the last third of the book made more sense. Its not a bad book, but if you're not keen on droney American texts steer clear it'll do your head in.
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  • L.Osborne
    5.0 out of 5 stars Really good
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 29, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    Really nice insights, and general points about society. Would recommend this book to anyone interested in learning about trans people.
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