Take Your Own Advice

The tweet was simple but surprising. It said, "I just saw @thejeffreymarsh on Fox News. The context [of the Fox News segment] was supposed to be 'liberals are so weird!' but it was honestly refreshing to see such a friendly face. . . ."


I was on my way home from the grocery store, and I had my reusable tote in my left hand, phone in my right, walking down the sidewalk and scrolling through Twitter. It was a sunny California day, and I felt free and easy. Then I saw the tweet, and I thought, Oh no, my poor inbox.

One of my TikToks had been featured on Fox News a few months before. I got hate emails then. My video had played at around four o'clock Eastern time, and I don't know if that show was popular, so the hate messages had come and gone without a deluge. People who had seen Fox News reacted to the video, but it was nothing compared to what I assumed was about to happen.

From the tweet's timing, I knew that I had been in the A block on Tucker Carlson Tonight. On cable news, each show has four or five blocks. Block refers to the segments between commercials. The A block is first, D or E is last. And in general, they go in order of importance. If it bleeds, it leads, as they say. So, you put your most important, "sticky" material first. Producers of cable news put the most engaging material in the A block. That was me, I guess.

A Fox News producer had decided that one of my TikToks was exciting. As a result, my TikTok played on Fox News during one of the most-watched moments of the week. Tucker Carlson's show, A block. At the very least, it was a viral time to be on TV, or should I call it "hate TV"? My inbox reflected the prime-time placement. Here's an example of an angry email I got; it's a direct quote: "STOP TARGETING YOUR F*CKING VIDEOS TOO KIDS LET KIDS BE KIDS YOU F*CKING F*GGOT."

Death threats filled my inbox over the next few days, and people on TikTok stitched my TikTok with their hate. A stitch occurs when a TikTok user takes an original

Jeffrey Marsh is one of the world’s foremost commentators on nonbinary identity and activism in America, with a message of positivity and inclusion and a deep knowledge of queer issues and history. Marsh has reported on LGBTQ+ topics for Time, Variety, Dutch National News channel RTL-TV, Newsmax TV, and the BBC. Marsh was also a cultural consultant on nonbinary identity for the Elizabeth Warren campaign, New York University, the office of Chirlane McCray (New York City’s first lady), GLAAD, MTV, Condé Nast’s Them, and Teen Vogue. Their spiritual and inclusive messages have received more than 1 billion views on social media.

"It doesn t cost us anything to let others be freely themselves, rather it is an invitation to us all to live more fully. Jeffrey is a light that inspires inclusion and freedom to be just as we are."
Hilaria Baldwin, actress and entrepreneur, co-founder of Yoga Vida, and author of The Living Clearly Method
 
"I wish I had been friends with Jeffrey when they were growing up to give their beautiful soul a confidant. Their story feels universal, and deeply personal. Take Your Own Advice should be required reading for anyone who learned to sacrifice their own happiness to keep others happy."
Meredith Salenger, actress and activist
 
"At a time when 'self-care' can mean many things, Jeffrey Marsh's heartfelt memoir is a guide to self-love for the everyperson. And their story one powered by audacity, truth and kindness empowers us to be just as as assured and authentic as we are." 
Tre'vell Anderson, author of We See Each Other: A Black, Trans Journey Through TV and Film
 
Jeffrey Marsh went deep into the heart of their difficult childhood and they have emerged with a book of joy and triumph. Every activist needs to read this. If you give and give and can t see the light sometimes, let Jeffrey comfort you, and inspire you to Take Your Own Advice.
Alyssa Milano, actress, activist, and author of Sorry Not Sorry
 
"Jeffrey Marsh s moving memoir takes a rough childhood and spins it into self-worth and magic. Jeffrey has given the world a treasure of a book filled with kindness, insight, and love.
Busy Phillips, actress and activist, and author of This Will Only Hurt a Little
 
"A brilliant, engaging story that lovingly invites you to rediscover your value... For Jeffrey, despite a painful past, self-determination and kindness triumph."
Alexandra Billings, actress and LGBTQ activist, and author of This Time for Me
 
The only thing