Jacob Tobia

Watermark Books & Cafe, in partnership with GLSEN Kansas,  will host Jacob Tobia, activist, producer, and author of the memoir Sissy: A Coming-of-Gender Story for an author talk and signing on Sunday, March 10th at 4:30 p.m.

The event will take place at Watermark Books & Cafe, 4701 E. Douglas. The event is free to attend; priority signing line tickets are available for $26 and include a copy of Sissy.

Description


A heart-wrenching, eye-opening, and giggle-inducing memoir about what it's like to grow up not sure if you're (a) a boy, (b) a girl, (c) something in between, or (d) all of the above.

"When the political reality facing this country seems dark, we need shinier, sparklier thinkers in the public eye. With a signature style matched only by their wit, Jacob fits that bill perfectly." --Alan Cumming


From the moment a doctor in Cary, North Carolina put "male" on Jacob Tobia's birth certificate, everything went wrong. Alongside "male" came many other, far less neutral words: words that carried expectations about who Jacob was and who Jacob should be, like "masculine" and "aggressive" and "cargo shorts" and "SPORTS!" 

Naturally sensitive, playful, creative, and glitter-obsessed, as a child Jacob was given the label "sissy." In the two decades that followed, "sissy" joined forces with "gay," "trans," "nonbinary," and "too-queer-to-function" to become a source of pride, a curse-turned-blessing, a freak-flag hoisted high. 

Sissy: A Coming-of-Gender Story charts those decades, from Jacob's Methodist childhood to the hallowed halls of Duke University and the portrait-laden parlors of the White House, taking you on a gender odyssey you won't soon forget. With the snarky voice and wrenching vulnerability that have made them a media sensation, Jacob shatters the long-held notion that people are easily sortable into "men" and "women." Sissy guarantees that you'll never think about gender--both other people's and your own--the same way again.

About the Author


Jacob Tobia (@JacobTobia) is a gender nonconforming writer, producer, and performer based in Los Angeles. A member of both the Forbes "30 Under 30" and the "OUT 100," Jacob's writing and advocacy have been featured by MSNBC, The New York Times, TIME, The Guardian, and Teen Vogue, among others. A Point Foundation Scholar, Truman Scholar, and member of the Biden Foundation's Advisory Council for Advancing LGBTQ Equality, Jacob has worn high heels in the White House twice.

Praise For…


"When the political reality facing this country seems dark, we need shinier, sparklier thinkers in the public eye. With a signature style matched only by their wit, Jacob fits that bill perfectly." —Alan Cumming

"Genderqueer and nonbinary voices are too often silenced in mainstream conversations about gender. It's why we need writers like Jacob Tobia, who offer us more inclusive visions and provide readers living beyond the binary reflections of themselves." —Janet Mock
 
Sensational. Gut-punchingly hilarious and full of heart, this is a book that’s sure to change your outlook and how you relate to others. Sissy is guaranteed to make your mascara run from happy and sad tears alike.” —Tyler Oakley

“As someone who has served as an icon and role model for gender-fabulous people for decades, it’s been wonderful to watch Jacob blossom. Their energy, verve, and luminosity of self bring joy to so many, and I’m confident that Sissy will do the same.” —Miss J Alexander

"Dear men, please read this book. Whether you’re sensitive, bold, gay, straight, pan, bi, creative, analytical, or don’t even know who the hell you are, this book is a blueprint for healing our gender-based trauma from the inside out. It’s brilliant and important and I couldn’t put it down.” —Jay Duplass

"Jacob is a unique and inspirational voice for living your own truth. I love their personality and message, and I can't help but creep on their Instagram ;)" —Gigi Gorgeous

"In a world full of digital noise, Jacob's words cut right to the heart. A Mindy Kaling meets Roxane Gay treasure, Sissy proclaims what we all know to be true: gender nonconforming people are a powerful part of the past, present, and future." Tommy Dorfman

"Gender nonconforming people like Jacob aren’t just a passing phase or a cool fad, they’re a fundamental part of our human family. Through embracing and empowering nonbinary people, we empower everyone to live a more authentic, glittering life. As a writer and an artist, I'm thrilled about what Jacob has to say.”—Dustin Lance Black 

Sissy explores the power of determination, identity, and acceptance of self and others. I recommend the read.” —Cooper Hefner
 
"Most of the time in this world it feels like I’m drowning — we all walk around playing pretend, telling ourselves stories so that we don’t have to confront the things that lurk beneath the surface. And it’s not so much that Jacob’s work has ‘rescued’ me from drowning — rather it’s taught me that maybe there is something generative about remaining here — underneath — in the places and spaces and conversations that people avoid. It’s this commitment to honesty — in its most visceral sense — that makes Jacob so exceptional and precious."—Alok Vaid-Menon

“This is a book that every parent should read. We owe it to the next generation to raise children who celebrate gender diversity and are empathetic towards themselves and others; Sissyencourages just that. I couldn’t be more proud of what Jacob has written.” —Judy Shepard

“In a world that often pressures us to conform in order to be accepted, it is refreshing to hear Jacob Tobia's perspective. Jacob's style, charisma, humor, wit and truth telling are authentic to Jacob and I wouldn't be surprised if this book becomes a much talked about example of one way to own ones truth no matter what others may think. The world needs Jacob's voice, offering us all permission to be our truest selves.” —Sara Ramirez

“Filled with penetrating insight into what it means to live a life between genders that will also make even the straightest, cissiest reader cackle.” —Meredith Talusan
 
“As someone who came out as gay while playing in the NBA, I can say firsthand that being yourself against all odds takes guts. Through standing up for gender nonconforming people and living their truth for all to see, Jacob is blazing a similar trail. This book is yet another step on Jacob’s courageous road.”—Jason Collins

“For any young person who’s currently struggling with their gender, Sissy will be a source of strength, power, and much-needed laughs. From start to finish, Sissy is the kind of book that the world needs more of.”—Jazz Jennings

Sunday, March 10, 2019 - 4:30pm
Event address: 
4701 E Douglas Ave
Wichita, KS 67218
Books: 
Staff Pick Badge
Sissy: A Coming-of-Gender Story By Jacob Tobia Cover Image
$26.00
ISBN: 9780735218826
Availability: Hard to Find. This book may be unable to order.
Published: G.P. Putnam's Sons - March 5th, 2019