As a young child in North Carolina, Jacob Tobia wasn’t the wrong gender. Barbies? Yes. Playing with bugs? Absolutely. Getting muddy? Please. Princess dresses? You betcha.
Jacob wanted it all of it, but because they were “a boy,” they were told they could only have the masculine half. Acting feminine labelled them “a sissy” and brought social isolation. It took Jacob years to discover that being “a sissy” isn’t something to be ashamed of. It’s a source of pride.
Following Jacob through bullying and beauty contests makes this a truly unforgettable memoir and deeply personal story of trauma and healing. It’s a powerful reflection on gender and self-acceptance, and a hilarious guidebook for wearing tacky clip-on earrings in today’s world. Sissy guarantees you’ll never think about gender – both other people’s and your own – the same way again.
About the Author
Jacob Tobia (they/them) is an actor, writer, producer, and author. From running across the Brooklyn Bridge in high heels to giving Trevor Noah an on-air makeover on The Daily Show, Jacob helps others embrace the full complexity of their gender, even (and especially) when it’s messy as hell. In addition to adapting their book Sissy into a forthcoming TV series for Showtime, Jacob recently made their acting debut as the nonbinary character “Double Trouble” on Netflix’s She-Ra and The Princesses of Power. Originally from Raleigh, North Carolina, Jacob currently lives in Los Angeles.
Jacob, member of the Forbes 30 Under 30 and the OUT 100, graduated Summa Cum Laude from Duke University with a degree in Human Rights Advocacy. Prior to their career in television, Jacob worked at the United Nations Foundation and the Astraea Lesbian Foundation for Justice. Jacob is an avid Sriracha devotee and has worn high heels in the White House twice.
