Carrie Kills A Man: A Memoir

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It was crucial, I think. Part of it was because I was tired of feeling ashamed and afraid, so by putting absolutely everything out there it actually felt like a huge weight off my shoulders. And I think because there are so few openly trans and non-binary people, for a lot of people there’s going to be natural curiosity there. If you’re not trans then of course you’re going to be interested in what’s actually involved in transition and what it actually feels like to socially, legally or medically change your life. And if you are trans and haven’t gone through those things, it’s always helpful if someone else maps out the territory for you.

It’s been really interesting and a little bit strange, especially with some of the more difficult memories: you’re taking things that used to cause you great shame and sometimes pain and putting them out there for others to see and potentially judge you for. There were definitely times when I had to ask myself, ‘are you really sure you want people to know about this?’ Books are a team effort, and I am part of an amazing team that includes Heather and Laura, my publishers, and Kirstyn, my brilliant editor. Independent publishers are the best, not just because they’re great to work with but because you can sleep with a clear conscience. I really wanted people to understand that being trans doesn’t define us, or at least shouldn’t: we’re writers and singers and parents and sisters and teammates and colleagues and friends. All too often we’re described as a single characteristic – trans or non-binary – as if that’s all we are. We’re so much more fun and interesting than that. Subbing and CMSing copy can be a chore. But never if written by @carrieinglasgow – the master of ‘good words good words *BLAM* hilarious joke'”

If you’re looking for a book that cuts through all the noise and takes you on a journey that explores the very personal realities of being transgender in Scotland and the UK but also discusses the social commentary and history in a way that feels really open and accessible then this is the book for you. I’ve had the pleasure of working with Carrie at Scottish Women Inventing Music (SWIM). The charity has been made stronger by Carrie’s contribution; her copywriting is flawless and has been a notable asset. I produce the official SWIM podcast; Carrie is one of the researchers and presenters and her skills have been some of the strongest I have encountered in my time working in media. Her approach is professional, friendly and empathetic, and she is always someone I look forward to working with.” You’ve written a number of books before in differing forms – how did you find writing your own story? Why did now feel the right time? At first I wasn’t sure about whether being funny was appropriate, but I think it’s important because there’s a poisonous narrative of trans people and the wider community as militant, humourless, thought-policing snowflakes when the reality is completely different. The LGBT+ people I know are some of the daftest, least precious and funniest people I’ve ever met. carrieplaysguitar takes us on her journey to self acceptance, to freeing herself and letting the world see her for her fabulous self! The book has sadness of course but what it also has is pure joy. Joy through music, video games, books, family, fashion faux pas, mishaps and freedom. At times I was angry of course. Angry at the treatment of the trans community in society (JEEZO WHY DO PEOPLE THINK IT’S OK TO HURL ABUSE AT SOMEONE WALKING DOWN THE STREET!?), statistics surrounding waiting times for healthcare and so much more. This book not only entertains but educates in a very accessible way. That’s important if we want people to understand eh? 😍

Super-Infinite: The Transformations of John Donne by Katherine Rundell Audiobook: Fiction BOOK OF THE YEAR I think we’re all very good at remembering negative experiences and feelings – I still cringe occasionally about unsuccessfully asking Tina Walker to dance with me, and that was when I was in Primary 4 – so that didn’t really require much effort. But I did keep a simple diary from when I came out, and that was really invaluable to ensure I got the chronology and detail right. Your brain isn’t always the most reliable narrator. You Don’t Know What War Is: The Diary of a Young Girl From Ukraine by Yeva Skalietska Children’s Illustrated BOOK OF THE YEAR supported by LoveReading4Kids You touch on a lot of lessons throughout your life, whether through coming out, fashion choices, friendships – what would you say the most important lessons you’ve learned have been? The book itself touches on ‘growing up in a world that doesn’t want you’ as a trans woman, but is also described as laugh-out-loud funny; how do you manage to find the humour in telling your story, even in some of the darker moments?That’s a really good question. I think probably the biggest lesson I’ve learnt is that most people aren’t playing life on easy mode; I just thought they were because as an apparently straight cisgender guy I was playing life on easy mode. And I still have it easier than many. Because if you do, then the Carries of the future, their families and their friends will understand that being trans offers possibility and pleasure, not pain or punishment.”