My Sister: How One Sibling's Transition Changed Us Both

Join us on Tuesday May 14th at 7:30pm for My Sister: How One Sibling's Transition Changed Us Both with Selenis Leyva and Marizol Layva.

About the Book:

When Orange Is the New Black and Lopez Vs. Lopez star Selenis Leyva was young, her hardworking parents brought a new foster child into their warm, loving family in the Bronx. Selenis was immediately smitten; she doted on the baby, who in turn looked up to Selenis and followed her everywhere. The little boy became part of the family. But later, the siblings realized that the child was struggling with their identity. As Marizol transitioned and fought to define herself, Selenis and the family wanted to help, but didn’t always have the language to describe what Marizol was going through or the knowledge to help her thrive.
In My Sister, Selenis and Marizol narrate, in alternating chapters, their shared journey, challenges, and triumphs. They write honestly about the issues of violence, abuse, and discrimination that transgender people and women of color–and especially trans women of color–experience daily. And they are open about the messiness and confusion of fully realizing oneself and being properly affirmed by others, even those who love you.
Profoundly moving and instructive, My Sister offers insight into the lives of two siblings learning to be their authentic selves. Ultimately, theirs is a story of hope, one that will resonate with and affirm those in the process of transitioning, watching a loved one transition, and anyone taking control of their gender or sexual identities.

About the Authors:

Selenis Leyva most recently starred alongside Michael B. Jordan in the global smash hit Creed III, and can currently be seen alongside George Lopez in the NBC comedy Lopez Vs. Lopez which has been picked up for a second season. The actress, best known for her starring role as Gloria Mendoza on all seven seasons of the Netflix hit series Orange Is the New Black announced this year's Golden Globe nominations.Prior to this, Selenis starred alongside John Boyega and Connie Britton in the Bleecker Street drama Breaking which was nominated for a 2023 NAACP Image Award (Best Indie Film) and won the Special Jury Award for Ensemble Cast in the U.S. Dramatic Competition in 2022. She won a 2021 Gracie Award for her work on the Disney + original series Diary of a Future President, which honors standout women in the entertainment and news programming that addressed timely topics and social issues.Selenis is an outspoken activist for LGBTQ+ rights, and often is invited to college campuses to speak on diversity and inclusion. Selenis most recently promoted the release of her memoir, “MY SISTER, How One Sibling’s Transition Changes Us Both” which was published through Bold Type Books. Written with her sister Marizol, a transgender woman and advocate, the book is told from both women’s perspectives…about growing up in the Bronx, Marizol’s transition and more broadly….family, love, and the path to self-realization. Prior to this, Selenis was awarded the Anti-Violence Project’s 2016 Courage Award and the Stonewall Community Foundation’s 2016 Vision Award for inspiring visibility, advocacy and outspoken support for the transgender community. She has been featured in publications such as the Huffington Post, Time magazine’s Motto, People magazine’s Latina Love Project Series, and Splinter.

MARIZOL LEYVA is a transgender model, cook, and activist from the Bronx. She has been featured in a cooking segment for Telemundo’s Adictivo TV and in publications such as Cosmopolitan, Latina Magazine, Time magazine’s Motto, and People magazine’s Latina Love Project Series. Together with Selenis, she was awarded the Anti-Violence Project’s 2016 Courage Award and the Stonewall Community Foundation’s 2016 Vision Award for inspiring visibility, advocacy and outspoken support for the transgender community.

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Please note that the purchase of “My Sister: How One Sibling's Transition Changed Us Both with Selenis Leyva and Marizol Layva” ($28.00) is required for entry.

Upon arrival, our team will direct you to the register to obtain your copy of “My Sister: How One Sibling's Transition Changed Us Both" and complete your admission.

The store will begin welcoming guests at 7:15 pm.

Should you have any further questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to us at [email protected].

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

The Drama Book Shop, 266 West 39th Street, New York, United States