Jo Hirst

Jo Hirst is passionate about writing books that challenge some of the stereotypes in our society. She strives to give all children the opportunity to see themselves represented in literature.

Australian advocate for gender diverse children and their families, Jo, a former primary school teacher wrote Australia’s first book for transgender children, The Gender Fairy.

Written originally for her own child, The Gender Fairy, is designed to help all children see themselves as equal and not alone. Jo also believes that all children should be free to be comfortable and safe to be themselves. Her second book, A House for Everyone, helps children understand gender identity and gender expression.

Growing up in a family that didn’t believe in gender stereotyping, opened her eyes up to a wider world of possibilities. Jo’s mother was a builder who liked working with her hands and her father was an English teacher with a talent for story telling.

She lives by the seaside in Melbourne, Australia, with her partner and two sons.