Carrie Kills A Man: A Memoir

Product Information

I wanted to be the person I needed when I was younger, because I didn’t see myself in so many trans stories. Many of them follow a well-worn path that starts off with ‘I always knew’ and ends happily with the love of a good man. But I didn’t always know, and I wasn’t interested in men, good or bad. And I’ve since learnt that that’s incredibly common. So I wanted to write the book I wish someone had written for me. One of the things I really wanted to express was the joy and wonder of it all. Being trans, like being gay, isn’t a shameful, undesirable thing. It’s a gift, a joyful, magical thing. The sadness we experience isn’t because of who we are; it’s because of how we’re treated by others. Especially at the moment.

The series moves through Carrie’s life quasi-chronologically, a format which can at times lead to a confusingly blurred timeline, reiterating points in her transition to bring in new ideas and reflections. Her focus, however, is consistently both fiercely political and fiercely Scottish, mapping the local political landscape and attitudes towards trans people throughout her life, interspersed with tender stories of her Ayrshire upbringing, heartwarmingly supportive friends and unconventional yet loving family. When more people think they’ve seen a ghost than met a trans person, it’s easy for bad actors to exploit that – and they do, as you can see from the headlines and online. But here’s the reality, from someone who’s living it. From coming out and navigating trans parenthood to the thrills of gender-bending pop stars, fashion disasters and looking like Velma Dinkley, this is a tale of ripping it up and starting again: Carrie’s story in all its fearless, frank and funny glory. 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.”

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? 😍 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.”

Since writing about the controversies surrounding Hogwarts Legacy last year, the situation has only become more heatedAt the Paisley Book festival Carrie says she’s seen so many Trans books that are tragic stories about Transphobia and how tragic their stories are and she wanted to show how although her story has had a tough elements like they all do she wanted to show a middle class side of it and how the NHS process works and not all stories are that way or the same. I don’t think she gives herself enough credit for all she’s actually had to go through though and I cried at the treatment she had to go through to prove at times she is in-fact a women and to be able to access services in the NHS and life. Or all she had to overcome.