Most of the trans authors I read from are pretty young, so I was very curious to read a book written by an older trans woman who transitioned in her 50s.
I feel like this is a very good "guide" for trans people, but also for cis people like me who want to be the best allies they can.

I liked Jillian’s honesty and the fact she doesn’t sugar coat anything. Some topics can be pretty hard to talk about but she always finds the rights words. You can really feel both her pain or her happiness (depending of the topic that’s being discussed) throughout the whole book.

This book is such an important resource for anyone transitioning, especially later in life!

I genuinely found "Transitioning Later in Life" absolutely lovely, through and through: from the beautiful cover to the style of writing. Jillian Celentano was not only kind enough to share her story but she also has a lot of experiential wisdom. She doesn't shy away from any topics, including the mental health aspects, issues around passing and loosing/gaining male privilege. I think transgender community needs mature voices around the subject of transitioning, that do not necessarily come from affluent, wealthy people.

There were parts during which I sobbed, empathising with Celentano's experiences, both joyous and less joyous, as they touched me so deeply. "Transitioning Later in Life" is very inspirational but the author doesn't sugarcoat anything. I like how this book was organised-each chapter focuses on a certain topic and end with a bullet point summary of the content. Very useful.

"Transitioning Later in Life" is also a great read for allies and cisgender people who want to educate themselves when it comes to language and interacting with transgender people, both socially and professionally.

I wish this book would be localised and made available in other parts of the world. For now, its context is very USA-specific and some practical matters may not apply to readers in other countries (for example re: insurance, access to mental health, legal procedures).

I was curious to read it in the first place because I love to see more examples of people who have transitioned later in life. I think this book does a good job o being part memoir and sharing the author's personal experience and part practical tips. I appreciate that the author acknowledges she has a particular goal that she was trying to reach in terms of presentation, but makes it clear that she does not think that is the only correct way of doing things. So for instance, she mentions that trans men may be finished with wearing makeup but that is not to say that no men wear makeup. I was also touched by some of the stories in this book of the author receiving support, like when her therapist helped her buy women's clothing.