From early childhood memories to the changes and confusion brought by adolescence, Skylar reflects on coming of age while struggling to understand his gender.

Through surgeries and recovery, highs and lows, from high school to college to the real world, Skylar welcomed others on his journey.īefore I Had the Words is the story of what came before the videos and what happened behind the scenes. Skylar's openness and positivity attracted thousands of viewers, who followed along as his voice deepened and his body changed shape. In the months and years that followed, he recorded weekly update videos about the physical and emotional changes he experienced. I am still learning.At the beginning of his physical transition from female to male, then-seventeen-year-old Skylar Kergil posted his first video on YouTube. Some people are transgender until you hear their stories, you may not know what that means to them. There are no requirements for being transgender. There are choices we all make every day that shape who we become. Skylar opens up about the long path to gaining his family's acceptance and to accepting himself, sharing stories along the way about smaller challenges like choosing a new name and learning to shave without eyebrow mishaps.īefore I Had the Words brings new meaning to the phrase 'formative years.' As humorous as it is heartbreaking and as informative as it is entertaining, this memoir provides an intimate look at the experience of transitioning from one gender to another. This is the story of what came before the videos and what happened behind the scenes. Through surgeries and recovery, highs and lows, from high school to college to the real world, Skylar welcomed others on his journey.

At the beginning of his physical transition from female to male, then-seventeen-year-old Skylar Kergil posted his first video on YouTube. Revealing entries from the author's personal journals as well as interviews with his mother, brother, and friends lend remarkable depth to a groundbreaking memoir of change, loss, discovery, pain, and relief. 'A must-read for anyone who is trans or has trans family or friends.' -Chase Ross, trans activist and speaker.

Before I Had the Words by Skylar Kergil