SAYFTEE

Reviewer: Nic Wildes (they/them), LMHC and co-director of SAYFTEE

I could not put this book down! Anyone who has struggled with the shame of feeling different can resonate with her story. The author offers a moving account of her journey toward self-acceptance as an intersex woman. Her subsequent advocacy and activism for the rights of intersex youth is inspiring. To my fellow members of the LGBTQ+ community, we must do better to include and support our intersex siblings in our quest for equality. To my mental health colleagues, seek out resources and information to begin learning how to better welcome intersex folks into your practice, and support them in their healing.

Reviewer: Matisse DuPont (they/them), Consultant and Activist with Trans Emergency Fund

This book was a huge eye-opener for me when it comes to how vast and expansive we can be with how we define the trans community. This book is part memoir and part history text; it follows iconic trans activist Leslie Feinberg as they pretend to be a student to sneak into museums and libraries to learn about hidden trans histories. With work rooted in anti-racism and working-class politics, Feinberg explores many corners of what is means or has meant to be a Transgender Warrior.

Content Warnings: Suicide attempts

Reviewer: Haeden Peaslee (they/them), LMHC at SAYFTEE

Jess is one of my favorite photographers of trans and queer folks, and I was so excited when this series was started (Jess also used to be local and went to MassArt!). Jess worked with partner Vanessa, a social worker, to create a collection of images and interviews of trans and GNC older adults from across the United States. Being able to sit with this large red book and take in the images as well as written stories is a striking experience, and I imagine catching an exhibition of To Survive On This Shore in person someday would be even more so!

Sayftee clinician Haeden Peaslee, LMHC (they/them) shares
"Tear Soup is a picture book that teaches about ways that different people grieve and starts by sharing “What’s true about soup making is also true about grieving”. I really love the gentle and compassionate approach the authors took and that this book can affirm someone experiencing grief in the moment as well as teach those who aren’t about grief. It also holds suggestions for different types of grievers or “cooks” at the end. You may find yourself crying while reading it."