For as long as she can remember, Jazz says she felt different. The 13-year-old was born a boy, but loved all things mermaid, pink and princesses.
"I felt like a girl and I felt uncomfortable in my body," Jazz said.
Jazz, who goes only by her first name out of fear of threats, told her parents the moment she first could speak that she was not a boy.
"After getting some professional support, diagnosis, they said, you know, she's transgender,” said Jeanette, Jazz’s mother. “Something difficult to come to terms with, because it could be a very hard life for her."
Jazz says the journey has been difficult, but in an effort to help others understand what being transgender means, the teen co-authored a children's book.
"The philosophy of the book is just to start a conversation with very young kids in very simple terms so that transgender isn't scary and it's not complicated," said Jessica Herthel, co-author of "I Am Jazz."
Surrounded by LGBT supporters at Care Resource, the teen read excerpts from "I Am Jazz." Transgender adults in the crowd applaud the young girl's book and her mission.
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"It's gonna make a big difference. Because in my day, there was none of this," said Rajee Narinesingh.
"Jazz is an inspiration. She's a pioneer. She's going to break many, many barriers," added Justine April.
"I am Jazz" will be available for purchase as of Sept. 4. All proceeds will be donated to a foundation that helps transgender children.
"It's the first of its kind. There's never been a little kid coming out and saying, 'Hey, I'm transgender and it's okay,'" said Jeanette.
