✦ Who's that girl? ✦

It's Jess!

Yup, the artist formerly known as Judd has officially emerged from her gender chrysalis with cute outfits, sparkly vibes, and a whole new level of self-love.

After several decades, a lot of overthinking, and some wild plot twists, I finally figured it out: I'm a trans woman. 🏳️‍⚧️

I'm proud to be trans. I'm proud to be me. And I'm so excited to be living out loud. Thanks for being here — for seeing me, supporting me, and coming along for the ride.

Jess smiling

FAQs

You've got questions, I've got sparkle! ✨

Jessica Judd Poeske — but please, just call me Jess 💖

She/her, please and thank you!

No worries — it happens. Just correct yourself the next time and keep it moving. If you're talking about me when I'm not around and you slip up, try using my correct name (Jess!) in a few positive contexts to help reset your brain. That really helps!

Yes, please! That makes me feel really seen and supported. Just keep it kind and low-key. Something like “Oh, she goes by Jess now” or casually using the right name/pronouns in your next sentence is perfect. Of course, if someone is being rude or willfully disrespectful, feel free to bring the full sparkle-powered justice.

Of course! I've had a joyful life, and I'm proud of everything I've done so far. I just ask that you try your best to use my current name and pronouns, even when talking about me in the past. It's tricky — I still mess it up too! I care way more about your effort than your perfection.

Like I'm any other awesome woman you know. “Oh yeah, my friend Jess loves that wine!” is all I need. Keep it chill — no need to spotlight that I'm trans, just treat me with the same respect you'd want for yourself.

You don't need to go out of your way to make a big announcement — but if I come up in conversation and you feel comfortable, it's totally fine to let them know I go by Jess now and use she/her pronouns. Something simple like, “Oh, Jess is doing great — she's come out, actually, and goes by she/her now” is more than enough.

Please be kind, and try not to make it a thing. No need for drama — just facts and respect.

Say something kind and supportive — or nothing at all. Like my mother always told me: “If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all!” You don't need to relate, share a similar story, or make it about you. A simple “I'm happy for you” goes a long way.

Great question — thank you for asking! The short version:

✔ Use my name and pronouns.
✔ Be respectful, even if you're still learning.
✔ Gently help others get it right too.
✔ Show up, listen, and support trans people.

You can find more awesome allyship resources, some of my favorite trans creators, and book recommendations below!

Recently — but once I did, my whole life clicked into place. Looking back, I can now see signs from early childhood, but social norms and expectations made it hard to fully understand who I was. I'm so grateful to have figured it out — even later in life!

I'm open to sharing some things! For example, I started hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in December 2024. If you're curious about what hormone therapy involves, here's a great overview from the Mayo Clinic:

👉 Feminizing Hormone Therapy – Mayo Clinic

More of a visual learner?

👀 These timelines from GenderGP might be more for you!

Nope. That's private, full stop. If we're close and I want to share, I will. Otherwise, asking about genitals or surgeries is crossing a boundary.

Just a reminder: gender-affirming surgery can mean lots of different things for trans women — breast augmentation, facial feminization surgery (FFS, which might include things like a nose job or jaw softening), or yes, bottom surgery. Every woman chooses her own path, and none of those decisions make her more or less of a woman.

Also? Cis people get gender-affirming surgery all the time. Ever heard of a “cute little nose job”? Yup — gender-affirming. Wild, huh?

This site is focused on gender, not sexuality — but thanks for being curious!

Just a quick note: gender and sexual orientation are different.

Gender is about who you are
Sexual orientation is about who you're into

So a person can be trans and straight, gay, bi, asexual, whatever! Being trans doesn't tell you anything about who I date or love — it's just about who I am 💖

Sure! Just check in first to make sure it's okay. If it's personal, I might not want to answer — but I always appreciate respectful curiosity.

How to be a great Trans Ally

A little effort goes a long way.

Whether you're a longtime friend, a curious co-worker, or someone who just wants to do better — thank you. Supporting trans people is about learning, listening, and showing up with kindness. Below is a resource that has helped me and might help you, too.

Listen to trans stories

TED Talk: Why I Must Come Out, by Geena Rocero

TED Talk: Why I Must Come Out

When fashion model Geena Rocero first saw a photo of herself in a bikini, “I thought … you have arrived!” As she reveals, that's because she was born with the gender assignment “boy.” In this moving talk, Rocero tells the story of becoming who she always knew she was.

Watch on TED →

Read some books

Whether you're an ally trying to understand more, or you're questioning your own gender and looking for voices that resonate — these books are powerful, eye-opening, and worth your time.

Non-Fiction + Memoir

Transgender History by Susan Stryker

Transgender History

by Susan Stryker

A definitive and accessible look at the history of trans people in the U.S., from the mid-20th century through modern day.

Read it! →
Gender Euphoria by Laura Kate Dale

Gender Euphoria

by Laura Kate Dale

A joyful anthology that centers trans people's happiest, most affirming moments—because we deserve stories about more than just pain.

Read it! →
Whipping Girl by Julia Serano

Whipping Girl

by Julia Serano

An essential read on the intersection of trans identity, sexism, and femininity by a brilliant trans woman and activist.

Read it! →
The Beginner's Guide to Being a Trans Ally by Christy Whittlesey

The Beginner's Guide to Being a Trans Ally

by Christy Whittlesey

A kind, approachable introduction to trans allyship—perfect for anyone who's new to this and wants to do better without fear of “messing up.”

Read it! →

Young Adult Fiction

Dreadnought by April Daniels

Dreadnought

by April Daniels

A superhero YA story where a teenage girl inherits the powers of Earth's greatest hero—along with a new body that matches her gender. Thoughtful, thrilling, and unapologetically trans.

Read it! →
If I Was Your Girl by Meredith Russo

If I Was Your Girl

by Meredith Russo

A heartfelt YA novel about a trans teen girl navigating love, identity, and belonging in a small Southern town. Written by a trans woman, based on her own experiences.

Read it! →
Felix Ever After by Kacen Callender

Felix Ever After

by Kacen Callender

A powerful, tender YA story about identity, self-worth, and love from a Black, queer, trans teen perspective. Raw, real, and full of heart.

Read it! →
I Wish You All the Best by Mason Deaver

I Wish You All the Best

by Mason Deaver

A moving YA story about a nonbinary teen kicked out of their home after coming out. Honest, hopeful, and healing, with a beautiful focus on friendship, found family, and self-acceptance.

Read it! →