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AM Kirsch

@amkirsch.com
38 followers 58 following 61 posts

Writer, activist and educator based in Vancouver, BC linktr.ee/amkirsch

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AM Kirsch @amkirsch.com · 22/09/2026
Book launch week! I’m hoping you can help me spread the word that The Transformation of Jennie Heckenlaible is available everywhere, and also ask your library to acquire the book so that more young adults can read it. Here's where you can find it: books2read.com/jennie
books2read.com
Available now at your favorite digital store!
The Transformation of Jennie Heckenlaible by A.M. Kirsch
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AM Kirsch @amkirsch.com · 19/09/2026
Do you have a sixth sense? No, not dead people. Check out all your many senses here: amkirsch.substack.com/p/on-the-mys...
amkirsch.substack.com
On the Mysteries of the Senses
I discovered that I have more than the five senses taught in elementary school when I began teaching neurology.
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AM Kirsch @amkirsch.com · 18/09/2026
I did the same thing to win in the LGBTQ+ YA writing genre. After I learn how to write, I will undoubtedly steal scholarships and literary awards from many cisgender lesbians.
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AM Kirsch @amkirsch.com · 01/09/2026
Calling all ARC readers! The Transformation of Jennie Heckenlaible is available on NetGalley until Sept 19. Email me amkirsch@amkirsch.com for a widget. The ebook and paperback will be available on Sept 21, and a hardcover edition will follow shortly thereafter. www.netgalley.com/catalog/book...
netgalley.com
The Transformation of Jennie Heckenlaible
NetGalley helps publishers and authors promote digital review copies to book advocates and industry professionals. Publishers make digital review copies and audiobooks available for the NetGalley comm...
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AM Kirsch @amkirsch.com · 31/08/2026
Please tell me I'm not the only one who has fallen for an online scam when feverish! amkirsch.substack.com/p/on-taking-...
amkirsch.substack.com
On Taking Leave of My Senses
Before we return to our regularly scheduled program (On the Mysteries of the Senses), I’d like to tell you a story about how I took leave of my senses earlier this summer.
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AM Kirsch @amkirsch.com · 18/08/2026
Why wasn't Derek Zoolander an ambiturner? Scientists are working on it! open.substack.com/pub/amkirsch...
open.substack.com
On the Mysteries of the Brain Part 3
This is the fourth entry in the “On the Mysteries of” series. I’ve always been a sensitive soul and accused of being overly emotional, but it runs in the family.
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AM Kirsch @amkirsch.com · 04/08/2026
What killed Amy Winehouse? Some imagine it was drugs, but her killer was in the house: gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). open.substack.com/pub/amkirsch...
open.substack.com
On the Mysteries of the Brain Part 2
What Killed Amy Winehouse? The answer might surprise you.
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AM Kirsch @amkirsch.com · 19/07/2026
Are you using only 10% of your brain? A free book to the first person who can prove that they're using only 10% of their own (NB: it takes more than 10% to read this and message me, but thanks for trying :-) open.substack.com/pub/amkirsch...
open.substack.com
On the Mysteries of the Brain
It all began in 1984 when I read a Scientific American special issue on neurobiology titled The Brain.
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AM Kirsch @amkirsch.com · 11/07/2026
What can a writer with informally diagnosed dyslexia do? With motivation, patience, persistence, and a ton of help, they can write a novel or two. Thanks to those who've encouraged me along the way. open.substack.com/pub/amkirsch...
open.substack.com
On the Mysteries of Writing
My last story included mention of how someone like me, with informally diagnosed dyslexia, might cope with a life spent writing professionally. If you’d like a peek behind the curtain, here’s your cha...
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AM Kirsch @amkirsch.com · 22/06/2026
Is there a secret to realizing dreams? A Kellogg's Krumbles box might hold the key. #dreams #careerplanning open.substack.com/pub/amkirsch...
open.substack.com
On Realizing Dreams
After Sarah’s father died, we cleaned out her family’s home and found her mother’s keepsake from 1946. She would have been eighteen at the time, and something about the French paper dolls caught her e...
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AM Kirsch @amkirsch.com · 08/06/2026
My unified theory of war and peace is bound to irritate and inflame all but the most empathetic vegan readers. But that's the point, because Tennyson was right: nature is red in tooth and claw. I don't believe humans have to be. open.substack.com/pub/amkirsch...
open.substack.com
On “Tho’ Nature, red in tooth and claw”
Tennyson wrote In Memoriam A.H.H. in 1950, after his young Cambridge friend died unexpectedly. The lesson from line fifteen of Canto LVI haunts me nearly every day.
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AM Kirsch @amkirsch.com · 22/05/2026
Spoiler alert! (for those who have avoided lifting anything heavy thus far) Back pain is a nearly universal facet of the human condition. If you want to read a personal natural history, read on: open.substack.com/pub/amkirsch...
open.substack.com
On Listening to My Back
Thinking back on how I sat in elementary school, I may have had back pain since Grade 5. What I’ve done to cope evolved as I learned more about human anatomy.
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AM Kirsch @amkirsch.com · 11/05/2026
What do I, a microwave, and a 1979 Plymouth Champ have in common? We have all aged, and some better than others. My bet is on the microwave. #lifelessons open.substack.com/pub/amkirsch...
open.substack.com
On Our Aging Machines
Our bodies, like our twenty-four-year-old microwave, are showing signs of aging. But our microwave is showing us that aging isn’t always a bad thing.
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AM Kirsch @amkirsch.com · 20/04/2026
What do racism and riots have in common? On April 29, 34 years ago, we discovered what injustice can do to a community. I was raised outside the fray, but picked up some implicit biases nonetheless. #racism #riots #rodneyking open.substack.com/pub/amkirsch...
open.substack.com
On Racism and Riots
Race and social status weren’t something I thought about while growing up surrounded by only white faces.
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AM Kirsch @amkirsch.com · 30/03/2026
What have you learned from the "Gregs" in your life? I learned from four and discovered that true to their name's origin, from the Greek for watchful or vigilant, they illuminated my path when I needed it most. #yoda #lifelessons open.substack.com/pub/amkirsch...
open.substack.com
On Life Lessons from Four Gregs
I’ve known four Gregs in my life and learned something important from each of them before we lost touch.
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AM Kirsch @amkirsch.com · 17/03/2026
Do I share my father's fatal flaw: an inability to ask others for help? Self-help books helped me navigate my course through troubled waters, but as I get older, I’m discovering I have more in common with my parents than I ever thought possible. #self-help open.substack.com/pub/amkirsch...
open.substack.com
On Listening to My Gut
I bought a couple of self-help books twenty-five years ago, and they helped me navigate my course through troubled waters. As I get older, I’m discovering I have more in common with my parents than I ...
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AM Kirsch @amkirsch.com · 06/03/2026
What might trigger regular dread in some can cause gender euphoria in others. I found a surprising new way to feel like the woman I am :-) #gender #trans #breastcancer open.substack.com/pub/amkirsch...
open.substack.com
On the Joy of Cancer Screening
After a lifetime of watching my partner dread her regular screenings for breast and cervical cancer, I found myself doing the same.
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AM Kirsch @amkirsch.com · 22/02/2026
The trans community is in the spotlight again for all the wrong reasons. Can we get to a place where we don't cycle between the Trans Day of Visibility and the Transgender Day of Remembrance? #transrights open.substack.com/pub/amkirsch...
open.substack.com
On Trans Visibility in a Culture War Part 2: The Aftermath
It was an important lesson for everyone on both sides of the camera.
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AM Kirsch @amkirsch.com · 14/02/2026
The trans community is hypervisible in a world that wants to erase us. I miss the "good old days" of only a few years ago, when all we had to worry about were internet trolls. #transrights open.substack.com/pub/amkirsch...
open.substack.com
On Trans Visibility in a Culture War Part 1: The Setup
Becoming visible wasn’t something I set out to do when I transitioned—it just happened.
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AM Kirsch @amkirsch.com · 02/02/2026
The killings of the past few weeks have highlighted how many activists lose their lives in pursuit of social justice. Renee Good and Alex Pretti weren't the first killed during the Trump administration's immigration crackdown. For context, read more here: open.substack.com/pub/amkirsch...
open.substack.com
On the Risks of Activism
I like to think of myself as an activist, but activism exists on a spectrum, like gender and sexual orientation.
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AM Kirsch @amkirsch.com · 19/01/2026
In these often darker days of winter (especially here in Southern B.C.), it's important to remember joyful moments and find new ones. Here are some of mine: open.substack.com/pub/amkirsch... #joy #pleasureprinciple
open.substack.com
On Finding Joy
As we begin the new year with short days (in the Northern Hemisphere) and battle seasonal depression, I want to share some of the most joyful moments of my life in the hope that you’ll look back on yo...
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AM Kirsch @amkirsch.com · 12/01/2026
How can a book ban make a writer happy? Read about it here: open.substack.com/pub/amkirsch... #bookbans #transrights
open.substack.com
On Book Bans and Reading Habits
In 2022, I was asked if I’d write five short book reviews on a theme related to my book, Murder of an Uncommon Man.
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AM Kirsch @amkirsch.com · 04/01/2026
How did a good Christian boy turn into a humanist enby girl? Years of learning and pop culture jading: open.substack.com/pub/amkirsch... #christianity #religion #humanism #atheism
open.substack.com
On Losing My Religion
By the time the band R.E.M. released “Losing My Religion” in 1991, it had been ten years since I lost mine. I remember it happening, like so many “Light Bulb” moments, as I was standing at the front o...
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AM Kirsch @amkirsch.com · 28/12/2025
For all those learning to write, here's how I got my start: open.substack.com/pub/amkirsch...
open.substack.com
On Cats and Bats
If you’re wondering how I got my start in writing, as soon as I learned to print, I wrote my first story, “The Cat and the Bat,” on a 3 X 5 index card.
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AM Kirsch @amkirsch.com · 19/12/2025
Why leave meat behind? Honestly, you really don't need all of that protein from animals if you look at it scientifically and medically--it's a myth pushed by the food industry. Join me in a kinder world. open.substack.com/pub/amkirsch... #vegan #transitioning
open.substack.com
On Becoming Vegan
Like the green sea turtle, I began my life as an omnivore and moved in steps towards an herbivorous diet. The first steps were driven by health, but the last were ethical. Transitioning gender echoed ...
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AM Kirsch @amkirsch.com · 07/12/2025
Why leave "the greatest country on earth"? There were many reasons: mental health, economic migration, government policies, and maybe some simmering queerness. Join me and read about it here... open.substack.com/pub/amkirsch...
open.substack.com
On Leaving America
I’ve avoided writing about this for many years, partly because I’ve feared separation from my family on the other side.
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AM Kirsch @amkirsch.com · 16/11/2025
The first "On Reflection" reboot post is out now on Substack: On Imagining. Imagine a world at peace. Subscribe (free) to get new posts in your inbox. amkirsch.substack.com/p/on-imagini...
amkirsch.substack.com
On Imagining
I watched Jane Goodall’s final words on Netflix last month, and although we disagreed on several things, like her belief in reincarnation and hope for an afterlife, we both believe that hope is the an...
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AM Kirsch @amkirsch.com · 15/11/2025
This renews my faith in female solidarity. Please take a few minutes to sign it and help them reach their goal. notinourname.org.uk/petition/not...
notinourname.org.uk
Women in support of the trans+ community - Not in our name
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AM Kirsch @amkirsch.com · 29/10/2025
Alas, I didn't make the cut for Letters Live's Dear London competition, but I had good company in over 3000 entries. Here's my entry with some links to the winning letters: www.amkirsch.com/2025/10/dear...
amkirsch.com
Dear London
Trans reader and writer of queer stories. Your inclusive speaker and guide.
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AM Kirsch @amkirsch.com · 16/07/2025
It wasn't me! I don't think they'd let me into the country, much less the White House :-) youtu.be/kkt-s39bwWY
youtu.be
White House Evacuated After Trans Alarm Goes Off
YouTube video by The Onion
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AM Kirsch @amkirsch.com · 26/05/2025
I’m giving a talk at BCIT PD Day entitled “Teaching in Two Genders: Lessons from BCIT’s First Trans Instructor” and could use your help with questions to fill the 30-minute Q&A that follows. app.sli.do/event/uMT3NT...
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AM Kirsch @amkirsch.com · 09/05/2025
Our April issue of Angles is out! Get your copy at QMUNITY (1170 Bute Street) or online at qmunity.ca/angles-newsp...
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AM Kirsch @amkirsch.com · 07/05/2025
A country that loses its last defence of human rights has descended into the class of authoritarian regimes. It will take generations to repair the court and the country. www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/5/... #transrightsarehumanrights
aljazeera.com
US Supreme Court allows ban on transgender troops to take effect
The court’s decision split its nine-member bench along ideological lines, with its three left-leaning judges opposing.
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AM Kirsch @amkirsch.com · 29/04/2025
Find my audiobook on Spotify! promocards.byspotify.com/api/share/34...
promocards.byspotify.com
Murder of an Uncommon Man
Check this out! Listen now on @Spotify.
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AM Kirsch @amkirsch.com · 09/04/2025
It's never too late or the wrong day to wear pink! www.dayofpink.org #dayofpink #idop
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AM Kirsch @amkirsch.com · 01/04/2025
I'm standing up on Trans Day of Visibility! It was a long road from self-awareness to visibility and there's nothing wrong with living in stealth. Sometimes it's the only way to stay safe, but remember to take care of yourself and acknowlege all it's taken to get here. #TransDayofVisibility #TDOV
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AM Kirsch @amkirsch.com · 29/03/2025
I'm building my Substack and more is coming soon. Plant a seed, get to know me and how I got here. amkirsch.substack.com/p/hello-from... #enbygirl #trans
amkirsch.substack.com
Hello from a hopeful trans woman
Get to know a she/they enby girl
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AM Kirsch @amkirsch.com · 28/03/2025
They've crushed my dream of a feature in the National Women's History Museum! Maybe the National Museum of Women in the Arts will take me. 😜 www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/3/... #transrightsarehumanrights
aljazeera.com
Trump orders removal of ‘improper ideology’ from top US museums
Trump’s new executive order targets what he describes as the spread of a “divisive, race-centered ideology” at museums.
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AM Kirsch @amkirsch.com · 06/03/2025
We're bringing back Angles Newspaper this spring and will have a sex and relationship column penned by two queer/trans sex coaches and educators. Here's the form for your tender or burning questions: forms.gle/42xevfHCG87D... @softtouchbodies.bsky.social @belovedcoaching.bsky.social
forms.gle
Angles Newspaper: Sex & Relationships Advice Column
Angles Newspaper will have a sex and relationship column penned by two queer/trans sex coaches and educators, offering professional insight and support to readers with questions about gender, sex, bod...
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AM Kirsch @amkirsch.com · 03/03/2025
This is where "us and them" leads. We forget our humanity. We're all people who need to pee, but we divide ourselves into men vs women, cis v. trans, butch v. femme, Americans vs Canadians v. immigrants, red v. blue, rich v. poor, white v. POC. Who's next? www.advocate.com/news/lesbian...
advocate.com
Cis woman confronted by police officers in Arizona Walmart restroom for looking too masculine speaks out (exclusive)
“The only men in the women’s restroom were the cops,” Kalaya Morton said.
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AM Kirsch @amkirsch.com · 02/03/2025
Happy Read an Ebook Week! My ebook is 50% off at Smashwords this week (March 2-8). #ebookweek25 #Smashwords www.smashwords.com/books/view/9...
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Reposted by AM Kirsch
Martha Rich Art Projects @martharichart.bsky.social · 27/02/2025
I made this the other night while procrastinating, mainly because I thought all the posts about the blackout were boring. It feels like there is momentum bringing people together!
A poster for the economic blackout on February 28. It is a big red Jack rabbit on an aqua blue back ground. It says economic blackout in hand done black type. There are two black speech bubbles. One says “don’t buy stuff Friday February 28th. The other says we have power. Below it says No Amazon, Walmart, target, gas food, gas. Below that it says OK small business, use cash. Designed by Martha Rich.
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AM Kirsch @amkirsch.com · 28/02/2025
A day is a good start, but can we boycott until they feel it? I'm fortunate enough to live somewhere that I can boycott everything on the list indefinitely. Every little bit helps. Do what you can wherever you are and whatever your circumstances! #DEI #boycott
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AM Kirsch @amkirsch.com · 26/02/2025
Celebrate #pinkshirtday today by standing up to bullies of all sorts and supporting those who are bullied. Support @itgetsbettercanada.bsky.social, your trans neighbours, federal workers, immigrants, human rights, and buy Canadian!
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AM Kirsch @amkirsch.com · 21/02/2025
Thank you for saying it @jbpritzker.bsky.social These times do have serious Martin Niemöller "First They Came..." vibes: encyclopedia.ushmm.org/content/en/a...
encyclopedia.ushmm.org
Martin Niemöller: "First they came for the Socialists..."
Learn about the origins and legacy of Pastor Martin Niemöller's famous postwar words, “First they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out…”
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Reposted by AM Kirsch
The Advocate @advocate.com · 21/02/2025
Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker has a stark warning for America. 🔗: www.advocate.com/politics/jb-...
“After we’ve discriminated against, deported or disparaged all the immigrants and the gay and lesbian and transgender people, the developmentally disabled, the women and the minorities...what comes next?”

Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker
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AM Kirsch @amkirsch.com · 20/02/2025
I think I get it now...Julianne Moore's book is pulled from DoD school libraries because she identifies as a "Freckleface Strawberry," and intersex people are as common as redheads, ergo, it's really about protecting kids from gender ideology ;-) #intersex #gender www.theguardian.com/books/2025/f...
theguardian.com
A ‘great shock’: Julianne Moore’s children’s book under review by Trump administration
The actor’s book Freckleface Strawberry is on a list of library books suspended for a ‘compliance review’ after a presidential executive order
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AM Kirsch @amkirsch.com · 12/02/2025
Related advice on navigating our present troubles comes, surprisingly, from Nietzsche: www.cbc.ca/radio/ideas/...
cbc.ca
Polarizing times call for Nietzsche's practice of 'passing by' | CBC Radio
Nineteenth century German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche offers us a method that can help us navigate the highly polarizing discourse that’s afflicting democracies today. IDEAS shares lessons on heal...
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AM Kirsch @amkirsch.com · 12/02/2025
I've been struggling with my imagination lately, but Dr. Butler provides both diagnosis and treatment: www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
theguardian.com
Trump is unleashing sadism upon the world. But we cannot get overwhelmed | Judith Butler
Those who celebrate his defiance and sadism are as claimed by his logic as those who are paralyzed with outrage
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AM Kirsch @amkirsch.com · 01/02/2025
Hello everyone! I’m new here and looking for a nontoxic place to learn and share that accepts as many of my values as possible. I discovered I was nonbinary from a diversity initiative at work and can’t support any platform that denies the strength of diversity. See you soon!
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