By: Devin Wallace

Andrea Leigh’s journey is one of resilience, self-discovery, and new experiences. As the bestselling author of Do You Still Like Football: From Harley-Riding Rancher to Fashion Icon: A Journey of Courage and Reinvention, Leigh has inspired readers with her honest, direct, and unexpectedly playful narrative. Her memoir is more than just a story about transitioning—it’s a reflection on identity, family, and the pursuit of authenticity in a world that often demands conformity.

Leigh’s life before her transformation was, by all accounts, idyllic. She was a happily married rancher with a lucrative career in the pharmaceutical industry. Her family operated their ranch using sustainable and holistic practices inspired by permaculture. However, even amidst these accomplishments, something was still beneath the surface—something she needed to discover herself.

The turning point came during a long gaze into the mirror. That moment marked the beginning of a profound transformation. In Do You Still Like Football, Leigh recounts this pivotal chapter with clarity and vulnerability, detailing how she confronted her fears, navigated societal expectations, and found the strength to embrace her identity as a woman.

Navigating Challenges

Leigh’s transition was not without its challenges, particularly in the context of her closest relationships. She candidly acknowledges the impact her journey had on her marriage and her parents.

“The most challenging aspects of my transition were the impacts it would have on my marriage and my relationship with my parents,” Leigh explains. “My wife and I had a strong marriage, and I was confident she wouldn’t leave me. Still, it was difficult. She went through a profound grieving process, coming to terms with losing the life she had once envisioned with her husband. But we remained committed to each other, working through those emotions together.”

Her parents, too, experienced a sense of loss as they adjusted to seeing their child in a new light. Yet, through open communication and love, they found peace. Leigh recalls her mother’s poetic words after her transition, describing it as “just right.”

Leigh’s family’s support has been unwavering. “My wife and I now share a deeper happiness shaped by my growth into a kinder and more loving person,” she reflects. “As for my parents, they made every effort to understand my experience, even when it was difficult for them to grasp fully.”

Addressing Misconceptions

One of Leigh’s striking revelations is how her journey highlighted society’s misconceptions about gender and identity. “What I’ve found is that most people are indifferent,” she shares. “That indifference is freeing because it allows us to be ourselves without constant judgment. People are often more interested in understanding their loved ones’ experiences than in judging them.”

Leigh also recognizes the media’s role in shaping public perceptions of transgender individuals. While some narratives amplify risks and stereotypes, Leigh’s own experience has shown her that many people simply want to live and let live.

Reinvention Through Fashion and Public Speaking

Leigh’s transition was not just about gender—it was a reinvention of her entire life. Moving from the ranching and pharmaceutical industries to becoming a fashion icon and public speaker, she discovered a renewed sense of confidence.

“Shifting from being a rancher and an executive to stepping into the world of fashion and public speaking has been transformative,” she says. “My sense of self has evolved as I’ve listened deeply to my higher self, which I believe knows exactly why we’re here.”

Her career shift has also enabled her to guide others through their own journeys. “I often say, ‘I am the expert in my experience,’ and I use that expertise to help others—whether in personal growth or professional development.”

Advice for Others

Leigh’s journey has been bolstered by an incredible support network, including her wife, parents, colleagues, and clients. But she acknowledges that not everyone is as fortunate. For those without a strong support system, Leigh offers practical advice:

“Seek out new groups or communities, not just those focused on gender identity but around shared interests or positive connections. Avoid environments that reinforce negativity or victimhood, and instead, look for spaces that promote positivity and acceptance.”

She emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and the realization that most people are too preoccupied with their own lives to judge others harshly. This indifference, she says, can be liberating.

Living Authentically

Do You Still Like Football is more than just a memoir—it’s a call to live authentically, challenge societal norms, and embrace change. Leigh’s story resonates with readers from all walks of life, encouraging them to confront their fears and pursue their true selves with courage and grace.

Through her writing, public speaking, and presence in the fashion industry, Andrea Leigh has become a symbol of hope and empowerment. Her journey reminds us that reinvention is always possible and that authenticity is the key to a fulfilling life.

In Leigh’s own words: “We are all on a journey of becoming. The most important thing we can do is listen to that quiet voice inside us and follow where it leads.”

Published by Iris S.