Something that May Shock and Discredit You by Daniel Lavery

I reference this memoir in casual conversation more than any other non-fiction book I’ve ever read. I’ve never been a huge fan of memoir, mostly reading only those by people who I have a vested interest in. I’m not even a big fan of non-fiction in general, but I do read it when there’s a subject I’m really interested in or a highly recommended book. 

Something That May Shock and Discredit You goes through Lavery’s experience of transition and sexuality through a series of references to the Bible, Mean Girls, Arthurian Legend, Pretty in Pink, and Star Trek—among others. Using these media properties, Lavery is able to expertly weave a story that includes both the first inklings of realizing he may be transgender through to pursuing medical transition. 

While there are emotional and touching aspects of the memoir, it’s also very, very funny. With chapters titled ‘If you can’t parallel park, you have to get a sex change’, to ‘Captain James T Kirk is a beautiful lesbian, and I’m not exactly sure how to explain that’, to ‘Did you know that Athena used to be a tomboy?’, it’s a very engaging read. The second one is the one most people have heard me quote at some point, because no one has ever said anything more true. It’s funny that I read and enjoyed that before I even watched TOS—I trusted Lavery enough as a writer to know that he was right. 

In general, this is a hard book to summarize because it covers so much ground. If you’ve ever had to contend with your religion, gender, or sexuality, this is definitely a memoir to check out.

I have only ever admitted what I hunger for under duress, when all of my other options have been exhausted and my escape routes cut off, and even then seek to downplay the nature of it in advance, the better to ward off disappointment.