National Network for Equitable Library Service

“There is a shadow of a boy walking within me. His spirit is lightning fire. He will not be shackled. At birth, I was labeled a girl. My name is Jazz. Like the music, I am nature’s improvisation." When he is forced to leave his suburban home at age 17, Jazz — a transgender F2M — moves into the heart of Toronto’s LGBTQ community in hopes of finding the help he needs to begin his transition. A true hero’s journey, this narrative features a cast of colorful characters, including Martine, a dope-smoking drag queen; Kimmie, a hairdresser with a heart of gold; Sister Mary Francis, a sharp-talking ex-nun, and his counselor; Kendall, who must face his own demons in order to support Jazz in his journey. With comedy and pathos, Jazz wrestles with the realities of the courage it takes to be transgendered in today’s society.